What is truth?

The answer to Pilate’s question “what is truth” seems more obscure each day. Truth in journalism is especially complicated nowadays.

An erstwhile journalist, I am so frustrated with finding the truth in current affairs. Desperate for updated information on U.S. American politics, I scan news sites and, yes, social media, where I encounter many interesting reports. But before I can share them, I struggle with figuring out if they are true. Are they factual?

As we know, the most powerful lie, the most convincing lie, is a half-truth. 

Snopes and other fact-checking sites can only do so much. Nuance and artistry get in the way.

In watching Reels, I see some mighty strange stuff. Reports and videos look “real” and may even be in part.

Even so, and no matter how well done, some videos just scream out, “Joke.” Even I sometimes can tell when something’s amiss. For instance, there’s a video out there showing Vladimir Putin eating popcorn and laughing while watching President Trump’s June 14 Parade on television.

Factual? I don’t think so. But who knows.

We used to be able to count on news agencies presenting news with credibility. I fear those days are gone. I pray that I am wrong.