Sis, needed to be said. I am dismayed that we live in a society where people readily accept conspiracy theories on the tiniest of evidence and act as if you're the idiot because you want to rely on facts. And you are right, we are all Zeitoun trying our best to rescue the world from those who would imprison us for the instinct to do it.
Jacob, you bring up a great point. The far right has been weaponizing all kinds of issues, including those that were traditionally liberal or leftist causes, such as anti-vax.
The Putin-led right-wing is intent on interfering with democratic elections to the benefit of oligarchs and big business, at the expense of human rights, and protecting the planet. Their goal is to make sure not only extremists mistrust science, but to sow doubt and mistrust in science among anyone who lacks critical thinking, to gain independent and undecided votes. It's not much of a platform for Republicans .
In a society where freedom of thought and the right to inform ourselves are considered cornerstones, we can hardly find our way through a maze of information and misinformation.
As the Hawaiian Electric Company admits its possible role in the Maui wildfire, we witness how rarely companies admit mistakes. But the deeper we dive, the clearer it becomes that the question of blame is not a one-way street.
History bears witness to the art of deflection. Disasters, whether intentional or unintentional, often provide the perfect veil for other intentions. We must relentlessly seek the truth, even when it is veiled. But how, that is the burning question. I feel like I am shouting this into a world of the deaf.
Every now and then, whispers from the shadows find their way into the light of truth. But a great many of them remain unfounded. Our task? To distinguish between evidence and hearsay. Here, too, we must fight for the truth and against obvious lies. Where do we go to discover the truth? How do you attack the lies?
Lorriane, your call to 'trust the science' hits the nail on the head, especially at a time when institutions like Q-Anon are muddying the waters. But it is wise to remember that real science also welcomes questioning. Who do we trust as valid sources?
Trust in institutions is noticeably weakened today. Skepticism may promote discovery, but unfounded doubt only leads to further ignorance. I have no answers to this dilemma.
As political factions around the globe move their ideologies like chess pieces, it is up to us, the public, to distinguish fact from fiction and motive from facade. Where should we turn when the media constantly spread misinformation?
Democracy, with its fragile pillars, is threatened when outside powers try to tip the scales. The sanctity of elections, human rights and the environment cannot and must not be traded for corporate interests. But this is happening every day. How can we eliminate this cancer in our country?
In these complicated times, we move forward with critical thinking and a passion for truth. The foundation of our democracy? Informed citizens who are always vigilant and always asking questions. The path to truth is rarely easy, but always rewarding.
It sounds so hopeful, doesn’t it? Yet I wrote a long, long post about how we can actually manage to inform ourselves as adults and, in turn, inform our children. CIVICS is no longer taught in the majority of American schools. I posted my soapbox speech on three different Substacks and only one of the owners acknowledged the post and on the other two it was ignored altogether.
Gloria, you answer your own question beautifully. Keep our eyes on the horizon and constantly search for truth. Even Buddha and Jesus preached that the path to enlightenment is to always question, don't judge, and forgive. I'm not being religious, I'm being philosophical and spiritual. All theology originally came from philosophy. Anyway, the point being, if we close our minds, we are doomed. I am heartbroken, but also heartened by our constant fight for the truth. To answer your other question, it's not that hard to decide which science is the most reliable, it's usually a huge consensus, like 98% of the scientific community. And yet they never stop questioning their findings. And never forget, yes evil did get control of us again, but we have won the past three general elections and most of the important special elections. I'm so proud of us.
Your photos are heart-breaking.
I'm happy I got to visit all these places. They will rebuild. But it's like we need photo documentation more than ever💔
I cried.
Yes I seem to be perpetually on the verge of tears anymore 😔
we are all Zeitoun 🛶
It's so true Eric!
Sis, needed to be said. I am dismayed that we live in a society where people readily accept conspiracy theories on the tiniest of evidence and act as if you're the idiot because you want to rely on facts. And you are right, we are all Zeitoun trying our best to rescue the world from those who would imprison us for the instinct to do it.
Thank you for your strength and courage sis. xoxo
Same! I am inspired by the strong intelligent women I am meeting on here!!
🥰
Amidst odds and strife,
Earth's collapse, unyielding fight,
Hope ignites our life.
Hope is the light. Thank you Gloria.
Your words resonate with me.
I’m so grateful for you, Gloria. And all the others here. Yesterday I’m sad to say I had to block my first creepy misinformation agent on Substack💔
Only way to handle them.
Yep. 💪🏻👊🏻💙
Jacob, you bring up a great point. The far right has been weaponizing all kinds of issues, including those that were traditionally liberal or leftist causes, such as anti-vax.
The Putin-led right-wing is intent on interfering with democratic elections to the benefit of oligarchs and big business, at the expense of human rights, and protecting the planet. Their goal is to make sure not only extremists mistrust science, but to sow doubt and mistrust in science among anyone who lacks critical thinking, to gain independent and undecided votes. It's not much of a platform for Republicans .
I am starting to hate you after the last comment :(
In a society where freedom of thought and the right to inform ourselves are considered cornerstones, we can hardly find our way through a maze of information and misinformation.
As the Hawaiian Electric Company admits its possible role in the Maui wildfire, we witness how rarely companies admit mistakes. But the deeper we dive, the clearer it becomes that the question of blame is not a one-way street.
History bears witness to the art of deflection. Disasters, whether intentional or unintentional, often provide the perfect veil for other intentions. We must relentlessly seek the truth, even when it is veiled. But how, that is the burning question. I feel like I am shouting this into a world of the deaf.
Every now and then, whispers from the shadows find their way into the light of truth. But a great many of them remain unfounded. Our task? To distinguish between evidence and hearsay. Here, too, we must fight for the truth and against obvious lies. Where do we go to discover the truth? How do you attack the lies?
Lorriane, your call to 'trust the science' hits the nail on the head, especially at a time when institutions like Q-Anon are muddying the waters. But it is wise to remember that real science also welcomes questioning. Who do we trust as valid sources?
Trust in institutions is noticeably weakened today. Skepticism may promote discovery, but unfounded doubt only leads to further ignorance. I have no answers to this dilemma.
As political factions around the globe move their ideologies like chess pieces, it is up to us, the public, to distinguish fact from fiction and motive from facade. Where should we turn when the media constantly spread misinformation?
Democracy, with its fragile pillars, is threatened when outside powers try to tip the scales. The sanctity of elections, human rights and the environment cannot and must not be traded for corporate interests. But this is happening every day. How can we eliminate this cancer in our country?
In these complicated times, we move forward with critical thinking and a passion for truth. The foundation of our democracy? Informed citizens who are always vigilant and always asking questions. The path to truth is rarely easy, but always rewarding.
It sounds so hopeful, doesn’t it? Yet I wrote a long, long post about how we can actually manage to inform ourselves as adults and, in turn, inform our children. CIVICS is no longer taught in the majority of American schools. I posted my soapbox speech on three different Substacks and only one of the owners acknowledged the post and on the other two it was ignored altogether.
Heartbreaking.
Gloria, you answer your own question beautifully. Keep our eyes on the horizon and constantly search for truth. Even Buddha and Jesus preached that the path to enlightenment is to always question, don't judge, and forgive. I'm not being religious, I'm being philosophical and spiritual. All theology originally came from philosophy. Anyway, the point being, if we close our minds, we are doomed. I am heartbroken, but also heartened by our constant fight for the truth. To answer your other question, it's not that hard to decide which science is the most reliable, it's usually a huge consensus, like 98% of the scientific community. And yet they never stop questioning their findings. And never forget, yes evil did get control of us again, but we have won the past three general elections and most of the important special elections. I'm so proud of us.