Thomas Jefferson, when discussing the first amendment, made a proposal for editorial reform.

[quote]Perhaps an editor might begin a reformation in some such way as this. Divide his paper into 4 chapters, heading the 1st, Truths. 2d, Probabilities. 3d, Possibilities. 4th, Lies. The first chapter would be very short, as it would contain little more than authentic papers, and information from such sources as the editor would be willing to risk his own reputation for their truth. The 2d would contain what, from a mature consideration of all circumstances, his judgment should conclude to be probably true. This, however, should rather contain too little than too much. The 3d & 4th should be professedly for those readers who would rather have lies for their money than the blank paper they would occupy.[/quote]

Do you think that something like this, being very clear in what it presents to be true, probable, possible, and false, would improve journalistic integrity, if implemented today?

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hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M Best Comment

I honestly don't know where the idea came from that we have an unbiased media. The "media" has always had an agenda and as such has distorted the truth to match their agenda since before Gutenberg's invention. In fact 'the media' is every bit as much a power player as the legislative and executive and judicial branches of government. The only power the people have over the media is whether or not to believe what they publish whether via newspaper, radio and TV or the internet.

Serenitree · F

Nah. I'm sure there are some jouralists who really want to do the job right, just as I believe that there are young men and women who become police officers with the intention of actually improving life for the citizens. As someone else said in their answer to another question, the people in power won't allow it.

Feb. 20/17
2:27 pm
EST

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Invisible · 26-30, M

@Th1nkF1rst: It would almost certainly make it easier for laypeople to decipher what is fact and what is speculation. That is why I think it would help.

Serenitree · F

@Invisible: it would totally depend on the actual integrity of the newspaper editors. The journalists could have the best intentions but the editors have the last word.

Feb. 20/17
3:01 pm
EST

Th1nkF1rst · 70-79, M

@Invisible: Seriously? LOL! You have too much faith the General Populace, that they would see it Your Way.

#1 - News Truth: Many more than usual Old People unexpectedly died yesterday at Oak Coffin Nursing Home even though there are no flu epidemics reported.

#2 - Probabilities: Most likely they died due to conditions normally expected in the elderly population and it's a statistical fluke.

#3 - Possibilities: The Secret Euthanasia Society just concluded last week that Elderly are a Worldwide Resource Drain and they now Actively Advocate Mercy Killing for those over 75. They suggested that caregivers should be paid handsomely for the deed! We learned that Several Staff Caregivers at Oak Coffin Nursing Home are members of S.E.S.!

#4 - Lies: Although official Oak Coffin Nursing Home policy on Euthanasia exists, the Oak Coffin Nursing Home has issued no fierce rebuttal of the idea! When directly asked, administration slammed doors in our reporter's face. However, several Nursing Home Staff on a smoke break behind the dumpster replied; "I Need the Extra Money, I would do it!" and "The geezers don't do nuthin but breathe and poop!" and "They almost dead anyway!"
So, it really seems the Staff may have a desire to have a "secret" role in these unusual Elderly Deaths! Many Relatives were shocked and upset when we asked if they minded that their loved ones be put down by the staff here!

Soooo, what will people latch onto and talk about?

Th1nkF1rst · 70-79, M

That is fabulous!

Funny how history repeats itself!

Invisible · 26-30, M

I'm afraid I don't follow

Th1nkF1rst · 70-79, M

Evidently Jefferson was sarcastically commenting upon his era's Newspapers and their "juggling" of 1, 2, 3 & 4 within the stories.

It suggest that fake news has existed for many many years!

Invisible · 26-30, M

Well, obviously so. Most wars involving European and American nations are justified by it.

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