Wednesday, December 14, 2016

More On Fake News

I was tempted to conflate the first two words of my title to drive home a point, but I resisted.



Meanwhile, Star readers weigh in on that shameful Canadian, Stephanie MacWilliams, who played a key role in the 'pizzagate' fake news story that almost ended in tragedy:
Belleville woman played role in delivering ‘Pizzagate’ conspiracy, Dec. 8

Would-be journalist/detective Stefanie MacWilliams shows no remorse and is, in fact, very proud of the part she played in the Pizzagate fake news fiasco, which resulted in a heavily armed nutbar clearing a restaurant of all clients and workforce.

Would she be so jubilant if this guy had encountered resistance, and slaughtered any number of innocent people, including the children attending a birthday party on the premises?

MacWilliams is obviously naive, ill informed, and extremely dangerous. Rather than be a “make believe” journalist, she should consider some professional training. Real journalists rely only on facts. People who believe, and then propagate these ridiculous conspiracy theories exhibit a serious mental deficiency.

David Moore, Annan

Creating or purveying fake news is a lucrative business with few costs and is easy to get into. Why work a regular job when you can, in the comfort of home, post fake news and see your bank account get fat quickly?

I see another lucrative business emerging—helping victims of fake news to sue the perpetrators for huge sums of money.

These are the opportunities in the Internet economy.

Salmon Lee, Mississauga

Stefanie MacWilliams has echoed and amplified fake news with a result similar to that of falsely yelling “fire” in a crowded theatre. Do we not put people before the courts for these actions? We should.

Peter Pinch, Toronto

10 comments:

  1. 'Pizzagate' is a conspiracy theory. Not news, or "fake news." This story on 'Pizzagate' is an example of fake news from a fake news corporation.

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    1. It seems there is no division between conspiracy theories and news in the world of the deluded, Anon.

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  2. Anon is splitting hairs. Those who monger in fake news and conspiracy theories are social deviants who need to be outed and denounced accordingly. The pizzagate shooter demonstrates the influence these self-styled "amorals" often have.

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    1. According to the story I read, Mound, Stefanie MacWilliams feels no responsibility for the chaos she contributed to. On the old Law and Order, they used to refer to such amorality as "depraved indifference."

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    2. This Mound sounds like a fascist. Very intolerant of other people's opinions. That's the problem with liberals/neoliberals. They don't believe in democracy and they sneer at the people. That's why they suck at leadership.

      A conspiracy theory is not news. Fake news is crap like "Justin Trudeau caught driving under the influence of marijuana." An actual fake news headline. Now fake news corporations are trying to label anything that doesn't get the establishment imprimatur "fake news." Rots of ruck on this latest pathetic ploy of theirs.

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  3. Al Jazeera is missing from the infographic. They have some really great in-depth material there. Their take on US issues is often quite insightful.

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    1. You are absolutely right, Anon. I often consult it.

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  4. Lorne, do you happen to know who made the infographic? Thanks!

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    1. I'm afraid I don't, Lindsay. A friend on FB put it up, but the source cited was imgur.com, which is not likely too helpful.

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