[Editor’s Note: The Mesquite Citizen Journal asked both political columnists, Terry Donnelly and Mike Young, to write about a special topic – which is more important – Facts over Feelings or Feelings over Facts. We encourage you to read both columns.]
Terry Donnelly’s column is available through this link: Feelings vs Facts: Meld Facts With Feelings (mesquitecitizenjournal.com)
Facts vs feelings is one of the great dilemmas of our time. We are in a new informational era where we are inundated with facts and many of them contradicting what we have learned, experienced or believe. How do we sort this all out is the question? Since almost every scientific study is designed with a certain conclusion in mind so can we rely on the result?
This is the hard part, to get the facts we ask a question and do some internet research. From that research we draw conclusions. But are they right, do all facts support your analysis or are there some counter facts? Have the facts been selectively used to support the conclusion? How do we know what facts are even true?
A good example is those that watch Fox News and those that prefer MSNBC. There are two different worlds presented, Fox supporting Donald Trump and MSNBC supporting President Biden. One showing rioting and the other minimizing any disturbance. Another good example is the hyping the killings of black people by police officers and connecting it to Systemic Racism. On the news it seems like it is happening everywhere. Yet FBI crime statistics show only 9 unarmed blacks were killed by police in the entire country during 2019.
That tied with the fact that many crimes occur in primarily black areas, that does not seem too bad. Yet if you are a black citizen living in one of these areas it seems bad. MSNBC seems to hype these stories and has a number of comments from “Black Lives Matter” (BLM). The facts say one thing yet the feelings of the BLM crowd say something completely different. This is where facts and feelings collide.
A good example is the mask vs no masks, lockdown vs open society. Some states do and some do not and who is right? Studies on both sides of masks and distancing. Long time Center for Disease Control bureaucrats saying one thing then reversing and saying something totally different. Talking heads on T.V. saying do this or do that with no qualifications other than someone got them to appear.
How could we forget “Fake News” which lead to a 3 year 40-million-dollar investigation? We hear it all the time claiming one thing and then another. Outrageous claims by someone who is never there again but the story last a news cycle or more and when it proves untrue, it is too late the news has move on to new claims, all claiming to be true.
Thomas Jefferson once said; “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed”. The problem is how you are informed, two different news outlets framing the facts their way. One maybe true or maybe both. I believe that the problem lies with education where American history is being altered.
The other major problem is with the radical groups, some of which want the downfall of our way of government. “The people are not smart enough to rule themselves, they need our guidance.” Who am I quoting, the elite class who believe they are the smartest people in the country and are destined to lead. They should be easy to identify, family names that have be around for decades, educated at the elite east coast schools, never had a real job outside of government because, they were predetermined to lead. They are the chosen ones. Maybe we should think about term limits.
Most of us are too busy trying to make a living or just trying to live our lives to research everything so how about listening to both sides and then doing what your gut tells you is right? Sometimes too many facts and lack of expertise lead us to trust people who sounded good; free college for all, guaranteed income or maybe free health care. Unfortunately, these things cost money but they say “just keep printing it will be O.K.” Maybe the quote should be “fact vs fiction.”
Bill Bishop says
Mike, you just can’t help showing what a racist you are. But, that’s another story. When you list you examples it’s odd you never mentioned anything about your idol Trump who we know was adverse to any truthful fact. And, would you say some who watches a steady, everyday diet of either MSNBC or Foxnews is probably living an unhealthy mental lifestyle? Careful – Barb Ellestad watches Foxnews constantly.
Mike Stevens says
You know it’s kind of funny, you Democrats. Everything that you do not agree with is racist. And everything that you like is infrastructure. You have no facts so you resort to shaming and name calling. Well I can not be shamed, and well you know the saying, sticks and stones….. 😉
David Petrillo says
Here is our problem. We are not the enemy. Liberals, progressives, or whatever you right wingers call us are not the enemy. Until you realize that, our country is heading into the depths of failed countries. We are only 250 years old but your thinking will cause us to fail as a society. Quit listening to voices of hate and grow up. Again, we are not your enemy. Do you think we would have a country with out liberals? A country with out liberals is a Nazi Germany, a Communist Russia, or a dictatorship. We liberals fought in all the wars and we bleed red blood too.
Mike Young says
David – Have you by any chance noticed that your party’s position on almost everything closely matches communist party positions? Take for those that have and give it to those in need (Those that do not work). Take from anybody who makes money and give to those that do not have any. Go in almost any story and see help wanted signs but why work when the government give it to you free. Everything free only if you elect us. You owe us because we can not get a job at a real good salary (and maybe a company car).
Soak the corporations, except they have no money they get it from selling things so they raise the price to pay more taxes. Who pays ? The working people.
Your one point that we are about to heading into the depths of failed countries reminds me of Rome. They collapsed when the people found they could vote themselves more free stuff if they would just vote in the right party. I think we just did.
David Petrillo says
I love it when businesses have to beg for workers. Good old supply and demand. If businesses paid a living wage, they would have plenty of workers. Also, please look up what communism is. It is nothing like you describe.
Mike Young says
“From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” Marx.
Mike Stevens says
Anyone, right or left, who tries to take my freedoms and the freedoms of my fellow Americans is the enemy. People telling me to conform or else are my enemy. The dictatorship is coming from the left, as noted by the fencing around the capital for all the world to see. A slew of executive orders and bill after bill forced through congress without ZERO Republican support. These things worry me, and they should worry you as well
Terry Donnelly says
Mr. Stevens, There is plenty of Republican support for many of Pres. Biden’s proposals––it just doesn’t come from nationally elected officials. The COVID relief act has a 73% positive rating including 44% of Republican voters. There are many Republican governors and even more Republican mayors who favor the act. Raising the minimum wage enjoys 43% favorability from Republican voters. If the Republican senators reflected their constituents, 40% Republican support would translate to 20 Republican votes in the Senate. Outside the Beltway, there is plenty of bipartisanship for many of Biden’s programs.