Semper vigilans - always watchful. Important words to remember over any election cycle, imperative during this one.
Yesterday, someone wrote a Facebook comment sharing what he acknowledged upfront was an unsubstantiated, possibly incorrect, report about a candidate. Then proceeded to treat the suspect story as fact.
There have been times that I've whipped off a posting about something that seemed to be true, but wasn't. Not once have I shared something with the cautionary that it might not be completely accurate, let alone proceeded to ask a question based on the potentially erroneous report.
Anyone who's on Facebook has the ability to do an online search. I pledge to embrace semper vigilans as a personal credo. No matter how much something makes my blood boil, I'll first confirm that it's being INDEPENDENTLY* reported by more than one reputable source. (*What look like multiple sources can turn out to be rehashes of one report.) I know from my own sorry experience how easy it is to indulge in "sounds true" gossip.
This year, more than ever, we need to be responsible, do all we can to be an accurately informed electorate.
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