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Protecting Character & ReputationDifferentiating Fact vs OpinionA discussion on facts and opinions can protect character and reputation. Bill Clinton's remarks to Barack Obama's presidential campaign was more opinion than facts
Truth and Honesty Leads To Moral HighgroundThe difference between facts and opinions is that it takes effort and work to prove a fact and it just takes talking to form an opinion. Facts contain an element of truth that can be supported by research. There is a direct link between what is said and what is written and recorded. Facts are the components that serve as a platform in any social arena, be it politics, science or medicine, whereas opinions are considered biased statements. The Effects of Negative CampaigningAccording to ABC News, Obama said that Clinton's opinions about his campaign were not supported by facts. Obama said that Clinton (Bill) continued to make it a habit to make statements about his position on the war in Iraq and organizing in Las Vegas. http://abcnews.go.com/Story?id=4162996&page=1 Every Cause has an Effect Bill Clinton said that Obama and Nevada union officials were working together and this helped secure votes for him in Nevada. Bill Clinton filed a lawsuit against Nevada. It was later rejected by the Supreme Court. Accountability Extinguishes Corruption and ScandalWhen facts are presented, there is a calming effect on its audience and people listen. Opinions tend to spread like fire and the offended fires back in defense mode. One of the damages of opinions is that it raises questions in character and reputation. False Information Can Cause Character Assassination An example of this was reported by ABC News as Obama mentioned that opinion-based statements takes away honesty and create cynism. Research as a Tool to stop criticismInterestingly, facts and opinions play a role in history. The difference between the two, again, is that facts are recorded either in writing or there is primary and secondary research that supports the people, events, issues, etc. Opinions are the viewpoints people have about people, events and issues in history. Politics, Propaganda and Leadership Bill Clinton's opinion of Obama's statement of Reagan being a better president further affected his character when Obama affirmed the facts of his statement, saying that Reagan did what Nixon did not and that was providing clarity and a sense of entreprenuership for the American people. Objectivity is Man's Best FriendFacts are the things that protect a person's character and reputation. They make people credible and give credit to events and findings. They stop opinions from diluting truth and most importantly, influence the way others view each other. Gossip and Lies Equals UntruthOpinions are formed from thoughts, hearsay and speculation. Opinions cause controversy and tend to spread until they are dispelled by the truth. Knowing the difference between the two can be the difference in gaining respect, credibility and a good reputation. Unless a point can be validated by cold hard facts, it's best to remain silent.
The copyright of the article Protecting Character & Reputation in Press Freedom is owned by Jeffery L. Jackson Jr.. Permission to republish Protecting Character & Reputation in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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