Beware! There will be even more false information online

“The bottom line is: We take misinformation seriously.  There are many respected fact-checking organizations . . . and, while we have reached out to some, we plan to learn from many more.”

Mark Zuckerberg, personal Facebook post, November 2016

No wonder the world has so many problems.  More and more people believe the false news and half-baked truths they read online.  That's one of the reasons why Donald Trump was elected to the highest office in the land last November.  So many voters were misled or fooled by his lies.  So, Trump will be quite pleased about the recent news concerning social media.

Meta, the social networking giant which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp and Threads, has announced that it will end its longstanding fact-checking program.  The fact-checking program was started in order to restrict the spread of false information across its social media apps.  Meta will now allow more speech, and the onus will be on users to correct inaccurate and false posts.  

Obviously, it is impossible to correct all misinformation.  Readers cannot entirely be relied upon to monitor inaccurate information or outright lies. The danger is that some readers will endorse the misinformation, further spreading lies and propaganda.               

Unfortunately, there has been a mass brainwashing in America.  For example, many Americans actually believe that January 6th is of little consequence, that the attack on the Capitol in Washington was as harmless as a walk in the park.  They regard the January 6th insurrectionists as Capitol tourists.  They won't believe or can't believe what is clear to anyone who watches the videos of that horrible day.  A violent mob of white supremacists and right-wing extremists, encouraged by Donald Trump, attempted to overthrow the duly elected government of the United Sates.  That mob called for the hanging of then-Vice President Mike Pence.  It is truly frightening that the man who engineered that attack on democracy will  soon be back in the Oval Office. He wishes to pardon the January 6th insurgents and he regards them as patriots.

To please Donald Trump, Meta has opted for a wild west approach to free speech.  In other words, it has chosen a recipe for chaos.  Unfettered free speech is the law of of the jungle.  Free speech must have limits.   It should also be kept in mind that the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States does not protect the right to yell "fire" in a crowded theatre.

Not surprisingly, right wing Supreme Court Judge and Trump stooge, Samuel Alito, in his 2022 remarks to the conservative Heritage Foundation, repeated the myth that yelling "fire" in a crowded theatre is "unprotected free speech."  Alito, however, did acknowledge that the First Amendment doesn't protect all speech, including "extortion and threats," defamation., and "shouting 'fire' in a crowded theatre."

The world certainly has more information than ever before, but is humanity really better off when the truth is more difficult to find?  There's no turning back from the internet, social media and AI.  They are very useful tools when used properly.  Used improperly, they can be profoundly dangerous, especially when there is a lack of critical thinking. 

Like it more not, the internet and social media are the way of the future.  They are locked in forever.  It is foolhardy not to adjust to this reality.  Sometimes, though, books and hardcopies of newspapers seem far more trustworthy.

Meta is obviously positioning itself for Trump's inglorious return to the White House.  It is no coincidence that this decision by Meta has come just before Trump's inauguration.  Could it be that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is trying to curry favour with the Dear Leader?   

According to a report on Semafor. Zuckerberg paid homage to Trump by visiting his Mar-a-lago palace on Friday, January 10, 2025.  It was confirmed to Semiafor that Zuckerberg was spotted at Trump's Florida compound on that day.  It wasn't Zuckerberg's first visit to the compound. either.  According to CBS News, on November 28th, 2024, soon after the presidential election, the Mega chief had Thanksgiving dinner with Trump at the exclusive club.

It is no accident that just days after Mark Zuckerberg's January 10th visit to Mar-a-lago, Meta announced its new policy, ending two sources of aggravation for Trump and his supporters: fact-checking and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.  In a video, Zuckerberg stated that the changes were implemented due to "too many mistakes and too much censorship."

Below is a September 19, 2019 photo of Zuckerberg meeting Trump in the Oval Office.

It is absolutely disgusting how so many bow down to Trump.  It is tragic how he is being allowed to build his authoritarian regime, with very little impunity.  I am sickened.  How can so many seemingly educated people have forgotten the rise of fascism in the 1920s and 1930s?  Trump is using fascist language and fascist tactics.  America, what have you done?

Note:  I will try my best to practice what I preach.  I pledge to aim for the accuracy of the factual information presented on Number 16.  I will reveal my sources.

SOURCES: New York Times, "Meta Says It Will End Fact-Checking Program on Social Media Posts," Mike Isaac and Theodore Schliefer; January 9, 2025; Freedom Forum; "Is It Illegal to Yell 'Fire' in a Crowed Theater?" by Freedom Forum; Reason (reason.com), "Yes, ," by Emma Camp, October 22, 2022; Semafor,"Trump, Zuckerberg meet at Mar-a-lago," by Shelby Talcott, January 10, 2025.

- Joanne

Here is why Alpha males are not real men

 

This may sound contradictory, but it's not.  Alpha males such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu project an image of toughness and aggressiveness, but they are truly weak. Unfortunately, millions of men, and also many women, buy into their false bravado.  Many are attracted to their vision of masculinity.  That's one of the major reasons why Trump won the 2024 U.S.  presidential election, an election in which he should not have been permitted to run as a candidate, given his crimes.  

The truth is that Alpha males like Trump, Musk, Putin and Netanyahu have very little inner strength.  They are weak inside.  They are made of jelly.  They remind me of the Wizard of Oz, all snoke and mirrors.  They pretend that they are larger than life.  They demand unwavering loyalty.  They bully so that they appear to be mighty and strong.  However, we all know that it's a mirage.  It's all a front to cover up their lack of courage and fortitude.  The truth is that they are really insecure cowards.  They have to put others down in order to raise themselves up.  They falsely believe that empathy is a feminine trait.  

Unlike Donald Trump, real men don't brag that they can do anything to women because they are powerful, rich and famous.  They don't dismiss such words as "locker room talk."  Unlike Elon Musk, real men don't attempt to insult the Prime Minister of Canada by referring to him as "girl."  

Real men are secure.  They are comfortable in their own skin.  They have no need to bully and they have no desire to do so.  Real men respect women.  They don't put them down or treat them like chattels, sex objects, playthings or servants.  Real men are not afraid of "uppity women."  They don't think that women should know their place or answer to men.  They are not threatened by well-educated, intelligent, creative or ambitious females.  They see women as equal partners.  In fact, they encourage women to be the best they can be.  They know that life will be better for everyone when it is better for women.  Real men are secure in their masculinity.  They don't need to prove it by knocking down others.

- Joanne

My 2025 Wish List

Last year I posted my personal wish list for 2024.  I promised to let you know which of my wishes came true and to write another wish list for 2025.  

To be perfectly honest, very few of my 2024 wishes came true.  I was truly broken-hearted that Donald Trump has been returned to office.  He represents almost everything I find repugnant. However, I will not lose hope and I will continue to support democracy.  Unfortunately, I believe that the whole world is in for a rough ride.

In sports, I wished all the Toronto teams the best of fortune in 2024.  Only the Toronto Argonauts delivered.  They won the Grey Cup.  The Toronto Maple Leafs played well in the regular season, but didn't get past the first round of the playoffs.  As for the Toronto Blue Jays, they had a miserable season.  They were a disappointment as they finished last in the American League East.  The Raptors are rebuilding and they had a lot of injuries to key players.  Not much was expected of them, and they weren't contenders.

I wished that the Summer Olympics in Paris would be successful.  They were, despite worries about terrorism and unrest.  Summer McIntosh, a true champion swimmer, made Canada proud.  She won three gold medals and one silver.

Trump, Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu are an unholy trio.  They are all Alpha males in their 70s and they have caused an enormous amount suffering, death and destruction.  All three pose a threat to world peace.  Unfortunately, they are still in power.  We don't know how long we'll have to endure Putin and Netanyahu, but Trump will be president for four years (or longer).

Putin

 Netanyahu 

Trump

My final wish for 2024 was that there would be more civility in the world in, and less political and social polarization.  Trump's return to power does not bode well for that.  However, life goes on, and I can only hope that the pendulum swings in another direction. I had hoped for a greater connection between people and less isolation. I continue to hope.  I have to admit that I am glad 2024 is on its way out.  

Here is my 2025 wish list:

I continue to hope for more civility in the world, and an end to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.  The world needs leadership as never before.  It needs stability.  I hope for stability in my own country, Canada, which is at a crossroads.  Canadians will be going to the polls in 2025.

One bright spot in 2024, was the fall of Assad in Syria.  It is my wish that life in Syria improves in 2025.  Syrians deserve a better future.

As usual, I hope that Toronto sports teams do well.  Unfortunately, I am not optimistic about the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays.  The Maple Leafs do well enough in the regular season, but they won't impress me until they win playoff games.  The Raptors have talent, but they have to put some wins on the board.  The Argos have been doing well, and I hope they continue in that direction.

All the best to you and yours in 2025.  I wish you happiness and good health.  In January of, 2026, I will write another wish list and I will let you know if any of my 2025 wishes came true. 

 Happy New Year!

     

- Joanne        

Photos from Centennial Park Conservatory (Part Two)

I always relish a visit to the Centennial Park Conservatory in Etobicoke, Ontario (in the west end of Toronto).  At this time of year, I especially appreciate its Christmas theme.  Here is a second batch of photos of the greenhouse that I took two days ago.  I hope you enjoy them.  I hope they delight you.

- Joanne

Photos from Centennial Park Conservatory (Part One)

I always relish a visit to the Centennial Park Conservatory in Etobicoke, Ontario (in the west end of Toronto).  At this time of year, I especially appreciate its Christmas theme.  Here are some photos of the greenhouse that I took two days ago.  I hope you enjoy them.  I hope they delight you.

- Joanne

Note:  I have posted a separate second batch of photos from the Centennial Park Conservatory.

 

Christmas Reflections 2024

Joy to the world and peace to people on earth!  Christmas sends a message of  hope in world full of war and turmoil.  It is a shining light in the darkest of  days,  Sadly, innocent women and children have always suffered the most due to  poverty, strife, and social injustice.  However, amid all the Yuletide celebrations, many people take time to remember the marginalized in our society.  Many people are doing their best to fight climate change and its devastating effects.  I take heart from this.

In 2024,  Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, begins on December 25th and ends on January 2nd, 2025.  So, Jews and Christians will be celebrating at the shining of the light at the same time this year.  That is a very good thing.  Christians have much in common with their brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith, as well as adherents of other faiths. 

Unfortunately, due to extremism, terrorism and conflict in the Middle East, incidents of Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are on the rise.  This is intolerable in a civil society.  Jews, Christians and Muslims are all "Children of Abraham."  The desecration of synagogues and mosques must be strongly condemned.  Houses of God must be respected.

In previous Christmas postings, I have discussed the restoration of the venerable Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris.  On December 8, 2024, the ancient cathedral reopened five years after it was severely  damaged by a devastating fire on April 15, 2019.

Remember the poor and the lonely, not just on Christmas Day, but always.  Remember those whom society has rejected.  There will be justice because "the first shall be last and the last shall be first."

A very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate the season, and a Happy Hanukkah to all the Jewish faithful.

Take care,

Joanne

Is Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" an Award?

Time magazine should change its "Person of the Year" to "Newsmaker of the Year"  Here's why.  First, some background.  Time's tradition of selecting a "Man of the Year" began privately in 1927, when the magazine's editors chose to focus on aviator Charles Lindbergh as the most prominent news story of  that year.  Lindbergh, who made the first nonstop trans-Atlantic airplane flight, was selected, partially to compensate for Time's embarrassment at not having him on its cover after his historic transatlantic flight.  The issue depicting Lucky Lindy as "Man of the Year was published in early 1928.

Below is the first Time "Man of the Year" issue with Charles Lindbergh on the cover.

In 1936. Wallis Simpson became the first "Woman of the Year," after the British monarch, King Edward VIII, gave up the throne to marry the twice-divorced American.  In 1999, Time finally recognized women by changing the name of its "Man of the Year" to "Person of the Year."  However,

It must be stressed that the "Person of the Year" designation was never intend to be an award or an honour.  In 1998, Walter Isaaaon, then editor of Time, wrote that the  person of the year title recognized the individual "who most affected the news and our lives, for good or ill, and embodied what was important the year, for better or for worse."  Nevertheless,, "Person of the Year" certainly sounds like a prestigious honour. 

It must be remembered that Adolf Hitler was selected as Time's "Man of the Year" in 1938.  Joseph Stalin was chosen twice, in 1939 and 1942.  Vladimir Putin was named "Person of the Year" in 2007.

Another reason the title should be changed to "Newsmaker of the Year" is that a person has not always been given the designation.  In 1982, for example, "The Computer" was named "Machine of the Year."  

Sometimes an organization or a specific group has been named.  In 1956, the American Fighting Man was chosen.  In 1966, Time named "The Inheritor" as "Man of the Year."  The cover story story specifically mentioned a few young adults, but it was meant to focus on the under-25 Baby Boom generation.  

In 2005, 'The Good Samaritan" was designated "Person of the Year."  In the cover story, Bill and Melinda Gates and U2's Bono were noted for their philanthropy.

In 2006, Time named "You" the "Person of the Year."  It was intended to refer to anyone who uploads information on internet sites and social media.  Some critics accused this choice as being gimmicky. as well as self-promotional.

The title "Person of the Year" is confusing and ambiguous.  It sounds like an accolade.  It has a positive connotation.  It seems to indicate approval.  If that's not what Time intends, the current editors should be more clear about what many consider to be an award.  The magazine's choice for 2024 was Donald Trump (He was also chosen in 2016.}.  Trump has most definitely "affected the news and our lives."  Therefore, he is certainly qualified to be "Newsmaker of the Year."  However, he is far too controversial to be honoured  as "Person of the Year."  Yes, to some Trump is a hero.  To others, however, he is a menace.  An honour should be given to someone who has unequivocally contributed to the betterment of humanity and to society.

END NOTE

* Since Time's "Man of the Year" began in 1927, every sitting American president has been named. to the title, with the exceptions of Calvin Coolidge, in office at the time of the first issue, Herbert Hoover, Coolidge's successor, and Gerald Ford, who became president in 1974 after Nixon's resignation.  Ford was never elected to the office.  Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the only person to be chosen three times, in 1931, 1934 and 1942.

* In 1999, Albert Einstein was chosen "Person of the Century."

- Joanne