Sculley and Mulder believed it, but do you?

The Internet is now being blamed for the report that questioned President Bush's service in The National Guard. NBC's anchor Tom Brokaw, who stepped down on December 1, blasted what he called an attempt by the Internet to demonize CBS and Dan Rather who aired the story on 60 Minutes.

"Blacks Don't Read" is another article that has been circulated throughout the net and has been a topic for radio shows. Many feathers have been ruffled; some see it as truth, others as an unwarranted, degradation of African Americans. The old saying was that if you ever wanted to hide something from Black people, put it in a book.

The truth may very well be that this is not a "Black thang" but an "American thang". (Even our President stated that he doesn't read the newspaper.)

Most Americans get their news from television, Lord help them if it's from Fox News, a plug for the documentary "Outfoxed" which was pulled from the movie screens, I was told "It's on DVD, that's why we aren't showing it."

Today, with only 3% of Americans having library cards, a new saying could be, if you ever wanted to hide something from the American public put it in print, i.e., books, newspapers, World Wide Web.

Could Americans not reading also contribute to the fact that a great number of us believe that Iraq's leader had something to do with 9/11, and that's why we are killing Iraqian children, when in fact, he did not and was never a threat to us?

Last millenium while waiting in the medical lobby, there were numerous magazines to read, however, today in many medical facilities in my neighborhood there aren't any, but the television is on. So if you want something to read, you should BYOB, book, not bottle.

Studies show that television watching doesn't exercise the brain; it entertains.

Are Americans being socialized not to read? Even if one doesn't have a computer, you can always get online "free" at the library. A significant amount of information is on the World Wide Web, and it may well be Americans last source of free speech, uncontrolled, uncensored means of obtaining information. For Big Brother "is" out here, watching and waiting in the form of Patriot Acts I and II.

The truth is out there! On the Internet, it's free and simple, all one has to do is point, click and read, or is it, read, point and click.

E. Lee Sullivan is a freelance writer and spiritual life coach living in Atlanta, GA, contact Lee at leesullivan2004@yahoo.com

© 2005 By Afromerica

Ms. E. Lee Sullivan will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current social issues effecting our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you pursue a more positive lifestyle.

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