Once I understood the power of the internet to obtain original source documents, I stopped relying on second-hand sources such as editorials, news articles or blog posts as sources of authoritative information.
Although the internet is a great resource for finding materials, especially original materials, I often find that the regurgitated stuff - often self-referential as well - is less than satisfactory. At a time when skepticism and critical thinking and reasoning are most required, I find that the population seems to be losing those abilities. Of course, it has been policy for the last 8 years or more to eliminate them from public discourse. I am encouraged, though, that the current President, and many of his staff, are bringing those skills back into usage. Some of us may pooh-pooh it, but I read and listen carefully to what is said and written. It is incredibly nuanced and well thought out.
