Objectivity is crucial if we are to grow as a society. In fact one can argue that our forefathers built America on the very principles of objectivity. Trust and respect are still just as valued today as they were in 1776. Without objectivity our world would quickly spiral into total chaos and anarchy.
The California Constitution, which is one of the longest in the world, actually has been construed as providing rights broader than the Bill of Rights in the federal constitution, especially as it relates to objectivity. Article 1, Section 9 reads:
“Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions on indictments for libels, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libellous is true, and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the fact.”
One of the most impressive examples of objectivity that I have ever observed occurred years ago while being recruited by the CIA. Shortly after beginning the interview process, I was given a list of recommended books through which to research the agency.
Much to my surprise, these books were a perfectly balanced presentation of information in support and opposition of the CIA. My recruiters strongly encouraged me to read as much as I could to learn the good and bad aspects of their agency so that I could come to my own informed conclusions about them. In doing so, they may not have gained an employee, but they did gain my unbridled respect.
This level of objectivity, whether in the CIA interview process or on The California Channel, causes the individual to consider his or her own emotions and values. Knowing all sides is critical to making an informed and well thought out judgment or decision that is in harmony with one’s overall beliefs.
What would I recommend to someone searching for the truth?
Don’t accept one news source as purely factual. Explore as many as possible. Don’t just watch Glenn Beck, Bill Maher, Rachel Maddow, Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart. Watch them all! Your reward will be a well rounded compilation of information that you can sort through in coming to a well informed and educated conclusion.
The more unfiltered the content the better. This is why our California Channel programming is unedited. Legislative, judicial or gubernatorial events are presented live or recorded and delivered directly to you the viewer without a middleman telling you what they perceive to be important.
There is no commentary, judgment or interpretation. As a viewer, you can watch these gavel-to-gavel proceedings and ultimately come to your own conclusions.
To watch California’s political happenings as they unfold, visit www.calchannel.com or watch us on your local cable system 24/7.
And the caller I mentioned last week – ultimately he did thank me three times for showing the program and motivating him to get involved.
0 comments:
Post a Comment