DISINFORMATION: ‘Hidden within shreds of truth’

Have you ever wondered about the phrase “a shred of truth?” I have read many letters written to our local newspaper submitted by a few amateur writers seemingly promoting themselves as journalists. I am continually amazed how they can spread lies and disinformation hidden within shreds of truth. For instance, a recently published Op-Ed revealed the polling information source they used to buttress their “facts.” Rasmussen was the source quoted. It took only moments to research who they polled and how.

Evidently, they polled 1,200 people in the span of a few days by phone. I had to chuckle. Who answers their phone these days, especially when the number is not recognized? Unfortunately in these times of widespread phone scamming, individuals responding to anonymous pollsters are likely the same ones that believe Publisher’s Clearinghouse just awarded them millions in cash. The rest of the information put out in that Op-Ed based upon this poll was simply just disinformation.

PETER ZAO

Coeur d’Alene