Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
OK, let’s get one thing straight. President Abraham Lincoln did NOT say “You can’t believe everything you read on the internet.” I’m sure he would have had the internet been invented during his lifetime, as such it was not.
Let’s get another thing straight. Just because someone tells you something is true (especially on social media) does not actually make it true.
Yes, I know I have harped on this before and I’ll be harping on this over the next several months.
Why? Because I’m concerned with so many people out there with their noses in their digital devices on social media they will not and do not take the time to get the real facts.
People will quickly and randomly share a post on Facebook without ever taking the time to check a date of when something was originally shared, to check to see if it is true or to check what is the actual source of the information. As long as it is something they agree with or they like they hit share and usually never give it another thought.
So with all the hoopla about fake news and reported Russian ads about fake news during the 2016 election, and the fact that I’m not seeing anyone on social media change their behavior as fake news continues to spread on social media, I am concerned about where voters will be getting their information for this upcoming election.
Sure, I might be self-promoting as we will, at the Northern Wyoming Daily News, be working hard to bring you coverage of the candidates prior to the Aug. 21 election. Our information, rest assured, will come directly from the candidates themselves.
In addition to our coverage, the Worland Business and Professional Women’s Organization will be hosting a candidate forum Aug. 9 at the Worland Community Center Complex. Several candidates have already made stops in Worland and likely others will be stopping by during the summer campaign season. These are your chances to ask your own questions and get the information you want first hand.
And you can always fact check or research things yourself. Nearly every statewide and federal candidate has a website outlining their views on specific issues. There is usually contact information to contact the campaign or the candidate.
I will be cautioning voters from now until Aug. 21 to please be informed voters before going to the polls. Please check where you get your information and make sure it is a legitimate news source. Make sure that you are reading facts and not someone’s opinion.
Most of all let the decision on who you vote for be yours and do not allow anyone, any party, any government, any agency or organization, tell you who you should vote for. Voting is a right in our country, an individual right.
The filing period is completed. The races for the primary election are set. It is time to get informed.