To the Editor,
Re: Fears based on misinformation, Letters, June 2.
Thanks to Robert Wager of Vancouver Island University for reminding me to check the source after believing in the printed word that formed someone’s opinion (pesticide causes blindness).
After the first few lines of any article, it’s a good habit to check who wrote it. It will make you a tougher critic. Reputable sources are key, especially if you plan to share the information.
I was taught in university if Googling something, check the URL address. Who the source is, is as important as the content of the material.
Opinions are freely given in our media. To believe or not to believe? You should put opinions through the same scrutiny you would give your teenager for not coming home on time.
Educate ‘your’ perspective. On TV, the pot-smoking arthritis sufferer claimed the drug helped him to be able to walk with less pain. As an arthritic runner, I find it hard to believe that No. 1, sucking smoke into your lungs for any reason is a health benefit, and No. 2, pot eases pain.
Last I heard, pot enhances your senses. Why was this guy even on TV?
Sharing facts about bad information is not a bad thing. We just need to learn to use a stronger filter for the information we do share. It’s a good strategy to teach our children too. Consider this the next time someone asks you, “So, what do you think?”
E. Dupont
Nanaimo