Opinion polls are often used by people and pundits to validate public support for their positions and preferences. While opinions reflect beliefs, it is becoming difficult for concerned citizens to form fact-based opinions given the flood of disinformation — intentional and unintentional — that bombards us each day. How helpful is an opinion poll if the “facts” underlying those opinions are false or distorted? The mostly unregulated internet is overwhelming us with false or distorted information.

Consider the savings being generated by Elon Musk’s DOGE team. A clerical error concerned the budget of ICE. The budget incorrectly reflected a contract worth $8 billion when, in fact, it was a contract for $8 million. Of that $8 million, $2.5 million had already been spent, leaving a potential savings of $5.5 million at best. This error was corrected before DOGE began its work. Many people may assume this “saving” is true, and likely draw the conclusion that the significant turmoil, security risks and personal hardships created by DOGE’s indiscriminate cutting are worth it — a logical conclusion if the number was correct.

We must act to make all media platforms accountable for content accuracy. Internet “platforms” (Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.) are largely exempt from content liability, and society is showing significant strains resulting from “alternative facts.” We won’t have constructive relationships with family, friends and colleagues without fact-based information sources.

Free speech shouldn’t be a cover to exempt sources from accountability for truthfulness.

Jeff Gardner
Cumberland