The free flow of information and liberty

The free flow of information, and free comment/critical/correction of that info, is essential for life and liberty.

Yesterday, we here at TPOL published the first of what we expect to be a series on ideas for better health and for dealing with (especially preventing!) illness and damage to our bodies. We can do this because the information is available widely and we have contacts – usually friends – who are able to find and share knowledge with us. Humans have long known what Jesus stated: “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free!” This applies as much to daily, secular life as it does to religious matters; to health and safety and every action we take each day. Ignorance breeds submission and slavery.

Unfortunately, all too often the loud voices of advertising and educators are not challenged, either because other views are suppressed or simply not able to be heard. The explosion of the internet in the past 35 years has been a blessing. But it has its downside: money still talks and the internet, while far FAR better than broadcast TV and radio and national newspapers and magazines, still allows the establishment to be heard more than the dissidents. 

As lovers of liberty, we need to understand and support the free flow of information. Including the ability to challenge false information. And demand evidence, if not proof, for what is claimed.

That is not easy.

Who can do this? Few people have the time and the skills necessary. In the now seemingly distant past, we depended on the media: the “free press” that was so valuable and valued. Sometimes, that media exhibited great courage and resourcefulness in getting to the truth of things, and of getting that truth out.

Other people thought that a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” would

But we cannot depend on governments to be gatekeepers, fact-checkers, and certainly not content police. By its very nature (starting with rebellion against the Almighty), it cannot be honest, fair, or trusted. The Founding Fathers here in the States thought that a free press could be both a check on government and on itself – but that corporatist alliance between government (and especially certain factions in governments) and the modern media has shown that does not work. And as governments absorb more and more of the resources of people and their voluntary organizations, there is less to counter that evil alliance.

So what can we do? Take full advantage of the information management systems that we have today. But keep old methods (at least, older methods) in mind and ready to use. Copiers, printers, hard copies, even going back to really old-fashioned methods like memeography and using carbon copies! Use these tools to challenge and counter false information, and to put out important information.

Keep it as a broad brush, as much as possible. Talk about not just politics but about medicine and ideas to make and save money. Keep the twin objectives of liberty in mind: peace and prosperity. At home and next door – and even in the next State and country over.

When something is claimed that doesn’t ring quite true – or seems to be too good to be true? Cooperate with other like-minded folks to research and find out: verify what is being said.

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