Welcome to Beyond the Spin – a forum for discussing the big issues that impact on the way we live.
*the objectives of Beyond the Spin are twofold.
The first is to probe beyond the self-serving propaganda of a political and lobbying class whose primary aim is to manipulate public opinion to win power and hold office, a mass media that both simplifies and sensationalises divisions within society to attract more and more eyeballs to their mastheads to sell more advertising -and an increasingly toxic social media that thrives on emotionalism and the demonisation, belittlement and denigration of those who dare to hold different opinions. All these now dominant communication trends are working to undermine our democracy by spreading divisiveness.
The second goal of Beyond the Spin is to provide a place where those interested in rational, mature and evidence based discussion can come together with the aim of building cohesiveness within our community (and nation) by openly and frankly seeking mutually satisfactory (or at least workable compromise) solutions to the problems that confront us all as a small nation in an increasingly dangerous world.
*You are invited to read the articles published on the website and (if you wish) provide feedback and commentary which will be posted under your name.
*Tim Lenehan (the website host) is not associated with any political party, vested interest group, religious or ethnic association. No funding is accepted from outside sources.
I hope you find Beyond the Spin of interest.
Tim Lenehan, Ballalaba
THE ESSENTIAL PREREQUISITE FOR SUCCESSFUL DEMOCRACY IS THE ABILITY TO FIND COMMON GROUND AMONGST DIVERSITY – THE ABILITY TO FIND WORKABLE COMPROMISES THROUGH NEGOTIATION AND FREE SPEECH