Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   AGAIN - To Whom are you applying your conviction? Date:   11/8/2018 2:45:15 PM

I agree… many in BOTH parties are slinging mud and pointing out the “criminality” of opponents (including innuendo and allegations). 

Therefore, the best advice is to set such aside, and focus on effectiveness.  Remember… in order to cast the correct vote… one must choose that candidate that bodes best for you, your family, and your nation. What are planks of his or her platform? How has that person… or how can that person… act in the best interests of you, your family, and your nation?  If that person is incumbent, has that person been faithful to his campaign promises… faithful to you.  Have his or her actions been effective? Have conditions improved… or declined.

Unfortunately, the main-stream and social media are antithetic to good journalism.  On the cable and social media, there is no clear boundary between commentary and true journalism (i.e. feelings versus facts). And anyone can say anything.  Disinformation, when presented often enough… takes on the aura of truth.

Racist, sexist, homophobic, Nazi, anti-(name a race or gender), etc are terms which are now spouted with little meaning and much animosity.

There is NO justification for incivility short of applied self-defense.   

So… one must use his or her critical thinking skills to sort the wheat from the chaff (classical critical thinking is not in the curriculum of most present day U.S. schools and universities).

- LMF Curmudgeon