In a News Bubble

Let’s face facts, we’re all biased. Whether we realize it, nor not, that amounts to prejudice (pre-judging). We might think that our positions on religious and political issues are even-handed, but they’ve been ‘influenced’ by the media sites we frequent. How do I know? When I see something that goes against my belief system, I block the sender, even here on WordPress. That makes me human, too.

If there weren’t two sides to every story, there wouldn’t be any stories to judge. It’s a binary world, after all. During the recent ‘attempts’ on the life of an unnamed presidential candidate in the States, Republicans were quick to point the blame on Democrats. And yet, both potential assassins were Republican supporters who turned against their leader. Then, in another instance, the right-leaning media suggested that Democrats were buying weapons like never before, instilling fear that Republicans might soon be out-gunned. Fear is a great motivator against anything “Other”.

Even here in Canada, we are subjected to spurious news stories that slant the truth towards the Right. At the moment, everybody and his/her uncle want the Conservatives to force an election, as soon as possible, so that Pierre Poilievre can take over as Prime Minister. After nine years, the fact that the status quo is getting a little stale may be the motivation, or it’s just a way to take back control over Canada’s spending on social initiatives. Do you really think the Conservatives are thinking about Canadians in general? No, they’re not. If/when they get back into power, they’ll “Axe the Tax”.

I wish I had an answer for this split political system, but the chances of everyone working together for the betterment of the country (and its citizens) are zero. It feels similar to any sporting event: one side wins and the other side loses.

In my case, I get a hundred and one prompts to watch YouTube videos detailing how the Roman Catholic Church has lied to us for 2,000 years about the ‘truth’ of Jesus’ life and death. What that shows me is that there is a constant drip, drip, drip against ingrained belief systems. As I am a Gnostic Christian, I have already taken these ‘facts’ into my consciousness. Does it make any difference? No. What we believe, or want to believe, is what sets up our expectations, even when it comes to our transition from this life into the next.

Enough said?