When I first started probing the dark jungles of cyberspace, one of the things I noticed was the repeated defensive cry of “that’s my opinion, and I am entitled to my opinions!” Which is not true.

We are all entitled to our informed opinion, but what we see far too often is uninformed noise. Static. Rumor based on misquoting, misinterpretation, disinformation, flat out lies. And once enough of this nonsense piles up, people start to feel they can make statements without any real evidence. It’s the old “if you don’t believe me, ask me” mantra.