To read the full article, visit:
Mazzei says "Jan. 6 was a startling reminder of how fragile democracy is, and that ultimately its durability lies with us, the citizens. Public inability (or unwillingness) to distinguish between fact and fiction leaves us vulnerable to manipulation and anti-democratic forces."
She goes on to discuss manipulation, willful ignorance, denial of facts, accountability, safety, freedom, policy preferences and fact-checking outlets. She points out three potent examples of facts that we must address:
- Climate change is real.
- Systemic racism permeates our country.
- Women face inequitable pay, harassment, physical aggression.
She says, "We need to support a system of education that teaches children how to question, to search, to critique, to identify evidence."