I believe allowing biased news reporting to go unchallenged lends unwarranted legitimacy to biased news organizations. I especially hate biased news organizations that claim to be unbiased, and I think the standard that only stories that are absolute lies should be questioned is too low.
I agree. Challenge them, try and educate or sway them. Let others know they are biased or incorrect. My opinion is don’t fight them on their level.
{rant}
What do you do if, after politely letting someone know they are basing their beliefs on biased or incorrect information, they persist in attacking things you believe in?
If someone believes that the borders of the UK should be closed to immigrants to keep Polish people from taking British jobs, and no amount of explaining the difference between an EU migrant and one from the US will make them understand the flaw in their logic, what then?
If someone persists in claiming the Earth was created 10,000 years ago, and they're running for a school board position in your school district, do you think a reasoned debate will lead them to thoughtfully consider the merits of evolution, or are they trying to get intelligent design taught in your kid's school?
If someone claims that EU light bulb legislation will lead to armed EU troops breaking and entering UK homes to conduct light bulb raids, how much reasoned debate do you think would be required to get that person to come toward your point of view? Even slightly? Personally, I don't think there's enough time in eternity.
I tell ya, Bob, I'm tired of Glen Beck on Fox News saying Barack Obama is racist against white people. I want somebody to call him out. I'm tired of
The Daily Mail blaming Britain's problems on immigration, and I'm tired of Lou Dobbs on CNN doing the same thing in the US. I'm tired of the Democrats in the US Congress not fighting back against stupid Republican claims about death panels. I want someone to tell them they're wrong, and to do so with the same fervor they spew out their hatred and ignorance.
I'm all for reasoned debate with reasonable people, but we're not always talking to reasonable people.
{/rant}