What are the perils of living at a time when information more widely available than ever before? Information is a good thing. It is impossible to make wise decisions without having information. We use the written accounts of others to learn what has worked, and what hasn't. We can analyze different potential outcomes. We can explore points of view beyond our own perspective. More information must mean that everyone is making better and better decisions. If we look around us, that is clearly not the reality. How does one find truth in this age of lies and fake news?
Recently in South Africa, criminals strapped an explosive device to an ATM technician and forced him to open the machines he was hauling so they could steal the money (Institute for Security Studies, February 18, 2021). Thankfully, the victim was released after the ordeal. Extortion efforts like this are being used with increasing frequency by cartels and gangs around the globe.
A new law under consideration in Denmark would require all sermons not given in the Danish language to be translated and submitted to the state (The Guardian, January 31, 2021).