Need some help getting updated.

[vanbean]

I am looking to fellow DUer's for some help. I am in my early 30's and have followed democratic politics for a while now. The problem that I have is that I feel extremely uninformed on all topic relating to our government and current events. Having spent most of my 20's in college and taking care of my young girls it has been hard to inform myself. Now that I have the time that I can devote to educating myself I am sure of where to begin so I turn to you for help. What I am looking for is suggestions on where to begin for unbiased facts and information. I really appreciate any help you can send my way.

Thanks

[TahitiNut]

1. For "unbiased facts and information" try the World Almanac.

There's a point of view inherent in all political discourse. The question usually is one of principles and values. It's up to each person to develop their own ethical priorities and then examine policy positions in that light.

Alternatively, one adopts a blindly partisan stance and merely parrots the party line. That's based on trust - which is why it's called "blind." After all, using a leader dog or holding a friend's arm is a matter of trust for a blind person, too.

For a seminal treatment of Liberalism, I suggest John Rawls' "A Theory of Justice."

[mahina]

2. Hiya, wonderful question!

I just asked a group of friends the same thing, basically. I think mediamatters.org and factcheck.org are still useful. Thank you for being willing to take the time to find out what's up.

I think every writer out there does have an unavoidable bias, but by reading a lot, selectively, you'll be able to discern it. There is a guide somewhere out there for how to ferret out propaganda from real journalism. http://www.operationawareness.com/index_3.html Meanwhile, I do hope you check out Bill Moyer's show on PBS friday evenings. His website is http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/02012008/watch2.html
I know it's not unbiased, but I go looking for the news that is not covered, that is suppressed, and it's often there.

Aloha and good luck.

[mahina]

3. Also, welcome to DU.

We are not at our very best at the moment. Kind of a foodfight around here 24-7 with the primaries. Please check back after the primaries if you get turned off by the wolverines.
Aloha.

[CK_John]

4. This may sound off the wall, but read and study the constitution, writings by Ben Franklin,

and A Hamilton "the Federalist Papers".

[Prefer]

5. Just BELIEVE in HOPE and CHANGE

that's ALL you need to know!

[Stephanie]

6. Honestly, I think the best method is go to Yahoo News and just read a little bit of everybody

After a while you'll figure out which sites give you the information you need.

http://news.yahoo.com/

[mahina]

7. Forgot to mention

google news, and of course truthouthttp://www.truthout.org/ and alternet http://www.truthout.org/ . Though I won't say they are unbiased, the latter two are a good place to find suppressed news. CNN is great...for stories about Britney Spears mainly. K, aloha

[vanbean]

8. Thanks for the info

They have been really helpful. I have been on DU for many years but never posted until recently. This site has been a safe haven for me to come to when you have many republican friends who continue to support this administration. Also in the last 3 years I have pretty much stopped watching any "news" programs other than Countdown, and Bill Maher. I also try to catch the Daily Show when I can.

What about The Nation magazine? Is it worthwhile to read?

[Skittles]

9. ditto for me vanbean - I live in a hideously repuke area

The Nation magazine is awesome :thumbsup: