I recently have had two of my sister in laws pose interest in getting more informed about politics and the upcoming election. This made me happy because I am always inserting little comments into family discussions. One of them asked some things about where do you start and how do you find a source that isn't biased and sort through everything that is out there. I decided to share my letter here as well in case some of my readers are wondering the same things.
I'm thrilled that you are thinking about politics and wanting to be informed. That is the first big step-caring. We are in the mess we are because for too long the American people didn't care and didn't use the rights and freedoms they have to protect themselves and their values. If you listen closely to the apostles they have been pleading with us for quite some time now to be a force for good in the world, to make a positive difference in our communities, and to be informed and involved. Anyways, enough of my soap box.
I was raised in a very politically aware family. Those are the kinds of things that were often discussed around the dinner table. So I come by it naturally. But not being afraid to talk about issues is a first step. When you hear something on the news, ask people about it. Just ask them what they think about it. Not only does this give you different perspectives, but it gets you thinking about things, and it gets other people thinking about things as well. And that's what we need, more people thinking.
There is a whole ton of crap to sort through in the world of politics because it really encompasses every facet of our life and society. It has helped me to start by focusing on something I really care about and am passionate about. For me that's education. I have read some books and tried to educate myself on the issues and be aware of what is happening in that realm. It is fairly easy for me to formulate my own opinions and sort through the information because I have strong feelings about education from my own life experience and interests. Other topics it is harder, like foreign affairs, or business. I don't know as much about these things. So I have tried to read some books and learn what I can, but I rely a little more on following the information and opinions from trusted sources. Ultimately, I have a set of principles that I judge things by. Most of these principles, while political in nature, stem ultimately from my religious beliefs at their core. Some of them also stem from my understanding of history and what America was founded on. I think both of those are very important. But even if I don't understand all the logistics or details of a topic, I can usually understand the big picture enough to set it up against my principles and decide my opinion.
So, how do you find a source that you trust? Same thing, I look for people who I feel share the same principles as me. People who respond to a situation in a way that is in line with what I believe America is. For me, I identify with the conservatives so I don't like CNN or the Today Show. Fox News is pretty good. I like Sean Hannity and especially Bill O'Reilly who both have shows on Fox News. I don't mind listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio sometimes. I'm sure you know that I am a huge fan of Glen Beck, his network is called the Blaze. You can sign up to receive daily emails from his news if your looking for an easy place to just start being informed on the issues. Or like him on facebook is a good way to do that as well. Do I agree with everything they say? No. But I feel like he comes from a place that is genuine, his vision or goals for the future of America line up with mine, and he is a moral person who not only has values, but actually sticks to them. I also really like Glen Beck because he educates the audience and does a lot of really informative shows with history and the facts-and not just always sharing his opinion or his take on things. There are also some great bloggers out there you can follow. Of course it is impossible to find anything without some sort of bias to it. We are people and we perceive and share everything through our own personal filters. But some news networks do a better job than others.
So there you go. Hopefully that helps a little. I can be more specific about certain issues or people if you want me to be. I will say that there is a presidential election coming up this year and it is an election that will have extremely important ramifications for this country. We are at a crossroads and this election will choose which path America goes down. Socialism and the breakdown of all that America has been in the past, or a return to our Constitution. It really is that clear of a choice and it is important. So follow the candidates, know who they are, watch some debates, have an opinion, and TALK about it with people around you. We need young people to care and to be informed. You can make a difference within your own sphere. Good luck!
