LIES

On December 19 Fox opinion host Lou Dobbs shot down various claims of fraud in the recent election. Specifically the show refuted false claims made against voting machines manufactured by Smartmatic. The surprising thing about the December 18 show was that the false claims had been made by Dobbs himself.

Did Dobbs have an attack of conscience that forced him to recant his lies? No. It was the threat of a lawsuit by Smartmatic against Dobbs and several other Fox opinion hosts.

Lies create harm. People who worked for voting machine companies as well as election officials who followed the rules have been threatened. Some have gone into hiding because of fear. The harm caused by people who lie about major issues cannot be ignored. These liars must face the consequence of damage done by their false statements.

One way to make liars accountable is to bring legal action against them. It is good when that is done. But it is not enough. Some people will still be taken in by these lies which are a threat to democracy itself.

People must be educated so they are less likely to believe the falsehoods that are spread over the internet. One of the reasons that democratic countries offer free schooling is that an educated public is more likely to make wise choices in elections. When personal computers became widespread, schools took up the task of teaching people how to use them.

The internet gives people access to infinite information. Unfortunately, much of that information is not true. Schools must now rise to the task of teaching people how to evaluate information and separate the valid from the invalid.

There are several programs that teach people how to evaluate data. Two professors at the University of Washington have a course named Calling Bullshit. Google has a media literacy program. What these courses do is show how to recognize a credible source. They teach students to check for multiple sources of verification ands to test every link in an argument’s chain. In short, these courses teach critical thinking.

Disinformation does irreparable damage. Foreign propaganda machines spread their lies through social media; Misinformation about Covid-19 has caused many deaths. False ideas about environmental damage harm all of us.

Liars must be made to face the consequences of their falsehoods, and we all need to educate ourselves so that we won’t be taken by their deceptions.