Scott Thompson: ‘Fake news’ is a fabricated story, not a different opinion

During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, whenever the media questioned Donald Trump about something he didn’t want to talk about, he accused them of spreading “fake news.”

It didn’t matter whom or what it was about; if he didn’t agree with the question, the media was just “fake news.”

It became the buzz term of the election, and since then it has only gained momentum, becoming more accepted every time Trump uses it. Why? It creates confusion and draws attention away from real issues.

Fake news is a fabricated story designed to mislead. Fake news is not a different opinion.

What is sad is that what was popularized by Trump and the extreme right is now also being used by the extreme left, leaving the rest of us wondering what to believe. But that’s what extremists want.

The first press release from the Liberal Caucus came out Monday shortly after Kathleen Wynne and Doug Ford had a pleasant conversation and wished each other luck. The late afternoon release was titled, in bold letters, “Ford’s Fake News – Fact Check.”

Twenty-four hours later, another edition of “Ford’s Fake News – Fact Check” was released on a website, factsstillmatter.ca.

Clearly, their daily strategy is to use the same extreme measures they attack the extreme right for. That’s disappointing. No wonder voters are cynical.

This is not about right or left — they already have a healthy debate. This is about extreme politics and catering to the vocal fringes.

Unfortunately, those in the middle, who pay most of the taxes and just want to work and raise our kids, are left behind.

Can we please stop the use of “extremes” during this campaign and just give Ontarians the straight goods?

Life is confusing enough.

Scott Thompson hosts The Scott Thompson Show on Global News Radio 900 CHML.

​