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The introduction of 24 hour news networks has increased the need for new content. One of the ways that the news networks addressed the issue was with the inclusion of shows that spin the news in order to influence viewers to align their values, especially their political values, with the values of the network.
To evaluate the validity of this argument, take a step back, and ask yourself whether the values of the majority of today's conservatives and liberals significantly deviate from the rhetoric of their preferred news network. I think you'll find that the answer to that question is no. So why is it so hard for us to realize that this is what's going on? One reason is perhaps that rhetoric uses speech designed to influence us by eliciting an emotional response, and we all know that emotions can sometimes override our rational mind.
So if we value our right to form our own beliefs, and values; we must critically evaluate the foundations of our individual beliefs. No one is saying that it will be easy to take the time to critically evaluate issues for ourselves, but it is vital process in ensuring our freedom of thought. I think if more of us start doing this, we may come to the realization that our values and beliefs may not be as different as we once thought.