General

The Internet quickly became the very thing we had all feared- anyone can say anything. Of course, this allowed the professional and insightful people to finally get the voice they deserve. However, it also allowed the ignorant and paranoid to have their say as well. We were wholly unprepared for the ensuing scope of damages  to credible sources of information caused by an inability to tell the difference between the two. How can we fix this?

I know we think it would be better to start 2020 over again, or perhaps just forget this year ever happened. I don't want that. 2020 is not a year to regret or to forget. It is the year to expect better. I hope this time is a turning point in the collective vision of ourselves. 

It was not long ago that issue voters existed. They had a personal list of hot-button issues for themselves, and they used stances of politicians to determine their vote. The scoring was not always clear-cut, but they could generally get a decent feel for a politician based on their positions. Sadly, those voters would have a tough time in this political environment.

The democratization of the Internet held so much promise. The idea that free exchange of ideas was a good thing seemed so idyllic back in the day. That is, until it became a reality. Sure, certain platforms in the Social Media maelstrom have maintained their original purpose. However, the biggest platforms have been invaded by scammers, shills, and robots that have agendas all their own. Want to fake a grass-root movement? Social media is there for you. Want to spread disinformation among gullible followers? It has never been easier.