Enormous Possibilities for Distortion?

Yes, indeed, but also for correction.

After writing my previous entry, I found this column by Howard Fineman on MSNBC. Rather than hide it as an update to that post, I wanted to highlight it.

Fineman concludes:

As for Obama, he was benefiting from events. But he should be sobered as well. What the Viral Campaign gives, it can take away — fast. The possibilities for distorting reality, and not just reflecting it, are enormous — and uncontrollable.

Yes, indeed, the possibilities for distorting reality are enormous and uncontrollable–by the media. But the options for correction are also wide open, and people will become more critical simply because they will see more different options and will have to ask themselves just who is right. The campaigns can’t control the information, the media can’t control it, and the FEC won’t be able to control it.

Freedom, y’all! What a concept!