spiphywarfare

Category: Unsolicited Advice

  • Terrible Tuesday – April 1979

    Forty-seven(ish) year ago I had an experience that I will never forget. I went through the 1979 tornado in Wichita Falls that was part of the Terrible Tuesday series of tornadoes. I was a ten-year-old and was more interested in catching frogs than making life or death decisions.

    The family was sitting and having dinner. There was music playing on the local disco-rock station and I kid you not, it was a song titled, “Blow Away” by George Harrison that was playing when the DJ told everyone to take shelter and the sirens sounded. The family sprang into action, grabbing mattresses and piling them in the hall. As the youngest apparently it was important that I was buried under more stuff than anyone else.

    My brother and dad watched the monster as it approached our house. I’ll never forget stories they told me about watching until they saw a pickup a block away start tumbling towards the tornado. The block across from our house was mostly empty field. I will also never forget laying beneath my entire family yelling pray, at ten, I was calling my family to pray to God for protection and thinking I was going to get crushed to death before the tornado could take me out. I had my sister, brother, mother, and father on top of me as far as I could tell. When it settled down my mother warned we could be in the eye and not to be too fast to leave our protection. Eventually we went outside. Everything familiar was gone. Half a block from our house – No more street signs. No more landmarks. No houses where lots of houses stood a half-hour ago.

    It’s weird how that day shaped me. At ten, I learned that everything in your life can change in a heartbeat because of things completely outside of your control. Comfort and normalcy could be wiped out. Friends you’d had all your life could be swept away. It really added a sense of nothing is certain or concrete to my life.

    Never assume tomorrow. Don’t waste your opportunities today. Always, always trust in God and seek His favor and protection.

  • It’s Past Time for These

    We need these. I’m open to input for change. I’m going to try to hold myself to them.

    Voluntary Rules of Procedure for the Court of Public Opinion

    These rules are recommended for individuals to sue in forming and sharing opinions responsibly, ensuring public discourse is fair, evidence-based, and resistant to misinformation and emotional manipulation. They are voluntary and designed for adoption by anyone engaging in public discussions.

    Rule 1: Verify Before You Share

    • Principle: Only share or endorse information supported by credible, verifiable sources.

    • Action: Cross-check claims with primary sources (e.g., official statements, documents, or reputable news outlets). Avoid spreading unverified rumors or anonymous posts.

    • Example: If a post on social media claims a person committed a crime, check for official police reports or court filings before commenting or reposting.

    Rule 2: Pause Before Reacting

    • Principle: Avoid snap judgments driven by emotional triggers.

    • Action: Take time to assess the full context of an event. Wait for additional information if the situation is unclear or evolving.

    • Example: If a viral video sparks outrage, wait for corroborating reports or the other party’s perspective before forming an opinion.

    Rule 3: Cite Your Sources

    • Principle: Transparency builds trust and accountability.

    • Action: When sharing an opinion or fact, link to or clearly reference your sources. If relying on personal experience, disclose it as such.

    • Example: Instead of saying, “This company is corrupt,” say, “This company was fined for violations, per [link to government report].”

    Rule 4: Acknowledge Uncertainty

    • Principle: Honesty about unknowns prevents premature conclusions.

    • Action: If information is incomplete or unverified, state it clearly. Use phrases like “alleged,” “unconfirmed,” or “based on current reports.”

    • Example: Instead of “They caused the crisis,” say, “Reports suggest they may be involved, but investigations are ongoing.”

    Rule 5: Seek Multiple Perspectives

    • Principle: Balanced discourse considers all sides.

    • Action: Actively look for opposing viewpoints or alternative explanations before forming an opinion. Avoid echo chambers.

    • Example: If a news outlet reports one narrative, check other platforms for counterarguments or additional context.

    Rule 6: Correct Mistakes Promptly

    • Principle: Accountability strengthens credibility.

    • Action: If you share incorrect information, issue a clear correction as soon as possible, referencing the original error.

    • Example: Post, “I previously shared [incorrect claim]. New information shows [corrected information]. Apologies for the error.”

    Rule 7: Avoid Personal Attacks

    • Principle: Focus on facts, not character assassination.

    • Action: Critique actions or ideas without resorting to insults, defamation, or assumptions about motives.

    • Example: Instead of “They’re a liar,” say, “Their statement contradicts [specific evidence].”

    Rule 8: Promote Constructive Dialogue

    • Principle: Public discourse should aim to inform and resolve, not inflame.

    • Action: Engage respectfully, ask clarifying questions, and encourage others to follow these rules.

    • Example: Respond to a heated comment with, “Can you share your source for that? Here’s what I found: [link].”

    Implementation Guidelines

    • For Individuals: Apply these rules in posts, comments, and conversations. Share the rules with your network.

    • For Influencers: Model these behaviors to set a positive example for followers.

    Feedback and Updates

    • Share feedback on these rules via x.com with hashtag #COPORules.

    • Rules will be reviewed periodically to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

    By voluntarily adopting these rules, we can elevate the Court of Public Opinion into a space of reason, fairness, and truth.