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We don't always have to believe everything 'they' say

Who are “they” and why should we believe them? Every once in a while, someone makes a bold statement that gets widespread coverage on the TV, the Internet or the newspaper, and we automatically think it must be right. For instance, last week an astrologer stated that because the orbit of the earth is degrading, we are no longer in sync with the stars and everyone has to move back one astrology sign.

At first this is disturbing, but then I realize the reason it is taking me longer to come up with creative ideas is because I am no longer a Pisces. Then, a few days later, a renowned group of astrologers says the first guy is talking through his milky way and his brain is a huge black hole. Just what we need. Dissension can only lead to another leadership convention.

Next we have the global warming issue. A friend sent me an article and said ‘make sure you read right to the bottom.’ It outlines reports by explorers, hunters and fishermen describing the melting of huge icebergs, declining seal populations, migrating fish and whales and says the warming of the ocean will destroy the polar ice cap in five years. It’s nothing we haven’t heard before, except at the bottom it shows this article was written in November 1922.

If nothing happened five years later, do we believe those now who are telling us the same thing? Which side of the scientist wars are these renowned global warmers on?

Recently, while doing research on an article about seniors’ fitness, I learned that although I am out of shape, I can start a program now that will make a difference in my overall well being. People can exercise into their 90s and reduce their risk of heart disease, diabetes, or falls. We used to be told that increased activity in older folks was risky, a recipe for disaster. New thinking, attitudes and medicines can extend life by years.

Great, until “they” say that keeping people older longer is one of the biggest threats to our system of health care and we can’t support it forever. We should let the older generations check out gracefully.

We see a police officer allegedly assault a citizen and the media becomes the judge, jury and executioner. Facebook and Twitter pages start boiling tar and collecting feathers.

The same week, the inquiry starts into the Mayerthorpe police killings where the policemen did the right thing, and died. The same week a policeman in Toronto is run down by a stolen vehicle he tried to stop and the city is planning his funeral. Do we believe what we see and hear? Have we seen and heard all of the facts or just what we are supposed to see?

The first day I took my son to day care, the teacher said, “Our policy is that we will believe only half of what your son says happens at home if you promise to believe only half of what he says happens at day care.” Maybe that is still good advice today. Don’t believe it all.

Question everything, that’s how we gain knowledge. Eat and exercise moderately and live to make a difference, not to become a burden. It doesn’t matter what our sign is, we’re all stars in somebody’s universe, someone is watching and listening to us, so shine brightly. At least that’s what McGregor says.