The truth is simply what we want to hear
Michael Crichton (“ET,” “Jurassic Park”) was once asked to address the question, “What is the greatest challenge facing mankind today?” Briefly stated, his answer was it’s “the challenge of distinguishing reality from fantasy, truth from propaganda.” His thesis is illustrated by two editorials on opposite pages of the Dec. 8 Perspective section.
On the left, Paul Krugman states that “The positive results of Obamacare’s first year are striking.” He goes on to cite figures from the Urban Institute: “– a sharp drop in the number of uninsured adults — Premiums for 2014 came in well below expectations.” He concludes, “If you think of Obamacare as a policy to improve American lives, it’s going really well.”
On the right page, Robin Smith presents a different picture, offering “The promises of Obamacare in the president’s own words … ‘If you like your plan/doctor you can keep your plan/doctor.'” She goes on to quote a Gallup survey: “One in three Americans say they have put off getting medical treatment that they or their family need because of cost.”
Truth or propaganda? Studies confirm that people tend to listen to or read only those things with which they agree. Don’t confuse me with the facts. My mind’s made up!