Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The US Post Office is quite remarkable

For 48c a letter can be picked up from any of over 100 Million locations, and within one to three days, bo transported thousands of miles, to any of over 100 Million locations, with a precision which is remarkable - much more accurately than Fedex or UPS, which will charge about 40X as much. Other Western countries charge around twice as much and cover few far locations and far smaller distances. We see one of the most effective and accurate services ever to exist, at a price that is unequalled. Yet, we fail to value it enough and never think to marvel at how it achieves this. When it finally dies, our descendents will find it difficult to believe.

Sunday, September 04, 2011

Do journalists have an obligation to check facts, or should they merely repeat what they hear?

It has long amazed me to see that usually, when an interviewee blatantly lies or makes an incorrect statement, the journalist will let it stand. To me, this undermines the credibility of the journalist. yet it is not seen as the function of most journalists. It seems that the justification for the special position of the Fourth Estate is the fact that it seeks the truth to put in front of the public. Yet it has become more like entertainment. If journalists are not charged with seeking the truth, and challening untruths, why should the press occupy a special position?