How much of what you hear each day is unsubstantiated, and do you stop to think about it?

News sources – are they verified?

Scientific assertions – can they pass unprejudiced peer review?

Advertising claims – are they backed up by evidence?

Idle office chatter – is it merely gossip?

Family conversation – does it edify or belittle?

Here’s a tiny, rather meaningless example. I recently bought a pound of loose tea from Amazon. The consumer reviews were mixed. I was greatly attracted by the very cheap price. I should have read the reviews giving low marks more carefully, because the product has no aroma and the taste is bitter. Was I too caught up in the advertising? Was I misled?

Here’s a more important example. The Citizens United decision by the US Supreme Court has opened the coffers of corporations and wealthy individuals to unlimited donations to any party or cause of their choosing. The voices of small, less affluent individuals will be drowned out. Will we each stop to think about the source of political news and advertisements happening now and in this election cycle? Will that information be fair and unbiased?