E) All of the Above

lol

I'm argumentative by nature, and opinionated by profession, so I tend to dig anywhere and everywhere for information that satisfies my curiosity. I take very little at face value because all media sources lean one way or the other. I'll look into studies, but then I'll look into who conducted the study, because they can slant it to serve their own interests if they choose.

Pick topics you're curious about/interested in. It makes the research easier. When you have your opinions formed, and reasons for why you have them, JUMP IN AND START SWINGING! lol

Ditto. All of the above. (It's nice to qualify your statent though, for 'purity purposes.) Being wrong is ok, too. Alot of times, being wrong is the only pathway to being right. (I'm wrong alot). Nice to meet you. JackieRodzinski (TheInquiringEye)

It's easier going when a person can admit they're wrong. I TRY. lol

I've had a lot of practice in writing, "I didn't realize that" or "Oops...." lol And even the occasional "I'm sorry". =D

Just-a-Writer:

I'm constantly wrong. I fail all the time. To attain competence, I think it's essential to test your limits. (But I might be wrong...JackieRodzinski (TheInquiringEye)

I expand my media coverage to include foreign broadcasts, news and websites. By NO means do I stick to just mainstream media. I even look at the Al Jezeera propaganda to see what THEY are saying.

I make it a point to work with and interface with the poor and disenfranchised. I do volunteer police work and I make it a point to chat with the many hispanics in my area who do not speak English.

While I will read government and private "studies", I find them to be biased. It is important to see who financed them. I will read many sides of the same issue. It soon becomes obvious to me what is BS and what "may" be fact.

I DO get very passionate "gut feelings". I do get frustrated when I see individuals "regurgitating" pablum I have read and found to be biased.

whiteman: I'm going to print your post and hang it up. Those are words to live by. Respectfully, JackieRodzinski (TheInquiringEye)

thanks for all the good responses!

I have to give a background story here:

I used to have to deal with a 'know it all' in a social situation, he would always poo-poo anything that anyone said and supply his 'correct' interpretation. When I asked him why he should be believed he simply said "I have better sources" There is always someone who thinks they have better sources and if they have enough charisma they will be believed. All I can do is be skeptical of everyone.