Fact Checkers

Of all the groups in the news lately, probably the last one I thought I would be reading about these days is fact checkers. Traditionally, this group of men and women view themselves as being loyal only to what is true. Their desire is not to lead the news but rather help keep it honest. Additionally, their focus is on the nation's two major political parties, their primary spokespeople and major candidates. The fact checkers review information distributed to voters by the two parties, statements being made by their leading spokespeople, and speeches and interviews featuring their main candidates. The fact checkers then report to the public what information being disseminatd bythe two parties and their people is true, false or somewhere in-between.

At least on the surface, if ever there was a group that is pure of heart and neutral in intent, it is the fact checkers. These individuals, who primarily work for the media, only wish to keep the record straight and provide a needed service to the public so those of us who follow politics are not mislead regarding "the truth" about the issues of the day. After all, it is essential to the well being of our nation that we the people be a well-informed electorate. Who better to ensure that than objective fact checkers? These days, however, fact checkers are being criticized by elements of both parties as well as other members of the media for being either not-so objective or not as thorough and accurate as they are supposed to be. What's an electorate to do?

In concept, having fact checkers is a good idea. I have always believed having responsible media watch dogs is a good thing to have. On the other hand, isn't that what good reporters are supposed to do? If a politican lies, then should not that be noted in any news report on the official's speech or interview? Why do we need this extra layer of media bureaucracy?  Further, does the general public have any responsibility in this? By that I mean if we take our responsibility of being an informed electorate seriously, then shouldn't we be educated enough to know if a politician is lieing or giving out incorrect information? And then there's the matter of who fact checks the fact checkers? I confess to not having any meaningful solution to this any of this, but I can not believe I am the only who is uneasy about the state of our public discourse and the reporting of it. Where's the trust?