The court of public opinion is alive but I don’t think it’s well. Social media has given everyone a public platform to express themselves, sometimes loudly and rudely. There is a better way.

We are in an era where some people take an opinion and state it as fact. Information comes at us so fast and no one has the time or energy to investigate all of it.

So, where does one go to separate fact from wishful thinking? You can’t trust the media anymore. And it’s futile to ask your friends and acquaintances. They might not know any more than you do. We certainly don’t want to lose friends over this.

It’s important to read history that was written by the people who lived it. Booker T. Washington wrote his autobiography and it’s fascinating. There are many others so take your pick.

Another important consideration is the ability to think critically and objectively. Approach a subject that you might know something about with the attitude that you might be wrong. It’s not a threat to test our beliefs and our convictions. It’s a healthy exercise.

People will judge you when you disagree with them. It doesn’t matter. The judgments come from those who don’t know you. And remember, it’s okay to disagree and engage in healthy conversations. Listen and learn from those who see the world differently…