Great topic Diogenes… er, I mean Rick. Still looking for that honest man, I see.

I think we could add Bill Moyers to what must surely be a very short list. He explores all sides of an issue and goes to great lengths to get the facts across even if they aren't welcome.

I suspect the U.S. population isn't much different than people everywhere when it comes to believing lies from suposedly responsible sources. I remember laughing out loud when U.S. President Ronald Reagan began calling the USSR the Evil Empire. At the time the U.S. and USSR enjoyed cordial relations and, except for Afghanistan, were cooperating in a number of areas. I figured the press would soon make him a laughing stock. (Okay, more of a laughing stock.) Strange thing was that the administration keept repeating the tag and the press kept reporting it until finally it became accepted as “truth.” I finally realized people will believe any crap they are handed until the lives of most citizens have become so miserable that toleration is no longer possible.

      - Mark