It's a damn shame so many disregard the truth simply because of who happens to be speaking it. Thoughts?

@Peekaboo: Yeah...It's true what they say about 'assuming'...

@Dainbramadge: True that!

@WINNER: I use that fable as an analogy quite a bit.

I love that song also, and I can't deny being guilty of that myself a few times at least....

I probably still do it but a high profile court case in the UK has changed my outlook to the world. I think I changed my mind 3 times as to the outcome before thinking, 'just hang on a minute, read up as much about this as is possible first, then make a decision.'
It has had a very positive effect on my judgement, I now like to hear from both sides (seems obvious but when somebody you like tells you a story it's hard not to just take their word).
Gather as much other information and check the sources.
Be willing to change my mind if new information comes to light.

True, but in some cases, as Mr Zimmerman so aptly put it, "It doesn't take a weatherman to know which way the wind blows"

@TwilitSona: "What is truth?" John 18:38...Not thumping just recollection.

@EarthlingWise: Why do you suppose a lie travels so much faster than the truth? Why is a lie half way around the world before the truth gets it's shoes on?

Because the truth is complex.

@EarthlingWise: We may not see eye to eye, but you 'are' a wise earthling in my opinion.

@DancingStarGoddess: That's common. Neanderthals will be neanderthals.."walking glands' is what my friend calls them. It is the essence of superficiality.

@puck61: yes indeed, and a shame too.