Welcome to Air Source One

When you hit the air waves, looking for news and opinions, where do you start?...your television networks and cable news channels?...your internet homepage?...your newspaper? If this is typical of how you regularly gather information about the world around you, it would be an understatement to say you are missing the mark.

News travels fast. If it is happening, it is on the internet, but not necessarily on the homepage of your favorite search engine. Technology has turned the average persons into citizen journalists. Nearly everyone has a cellphone with a camera and video capability. The quality has increased dramatically in the past couple of years. Couple that with social media and sites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Ustream, and the world of technology is ablaze with everything current and relevant,...and the not so relevant.

With so much information traveling so fast, it is difficult to determine what is accurate from what is exaggerated or right out false. When you share a link to a story of interest on Facebook, it will sometimes be met with the Doubting Thomas's of the world who stand ready to debunk the information because it isn't from a 'credible' news source. Just as often, someone will post a link to Snopes or Wikipedia just to rub in your face that you are spreading lies.

When did we become a society that lacks critical thinking skills? How did we become so dependent on relying on others to confirm or deny the information we are receiving? What if I were to start a website dedicated solely to debunking Snopes?

Wikipedia is supposed to be designed so that people can add or correct information presented on their website. Have you ever tried to make a correction? It's easier said than done. I know they have to employ safeguards to prevent people from running amok with their precious propaganda, but try presenting verifiable information and see how difficult it is still to make corrections. Also, notice that Wikipedia employs a lot of opinion and speculation in their pedia.

Let's not forget the major 'trusted' news sources. All one needs to do is spend a little time each day researching information from alternate news sources for about one month and you will find yourself watching the mainstream news with a whole new outlook.

How is the lie so easily disguised as the truth? The most recent trend is to simply call the lie the truth. President Obama turned loose his "Truth Team" to set us all straight. Yahoo News has headlined stories preceded with the words "Fact Check". Not all of you are so gullible to believe that its all true just because it says fact check at the beginning.

My point is that each individual should be their own filter of what is truth and what is fallacy. Beware that sometimes a little bit of truth is all that is needed to convince you of the lie. The more one explores numerous sources for information, the more critical thinking processes begin to take hold. The BS filter is sharpened like a Ginsu knife.

Just because I wrote it or shared it doesn't mean it's true. It also doesn't mean it's not true. That's for you to decide. Such will be our relationship here at Air Source One. I will often write strictly from my opinion. Occasionally, I will share information from other sources. The sharing of information does not or should not imply automatically that I am in support of or in agreement. At times, I may clarify my position. Other times I may not.

This blog spot is not a place where I expect everyone to agree. It is a place to share ideas. In addition, I will be sharing my interests and hobbies. As things evolve, I may ask readers to submit articles or follow up articles. Comments are welcome.

Welcome to Air Source One!