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During the first week of October, the Bee and the Spokesman-Review reported a story of bullying and harassment of a Democratic campaign worker and Kate McAlister’s mother-in-law by apparent supporters of Heather Scott. That same week we heard the words of Donald Trump describing how he behaved with some women. Trump’s words were followed by vivid confirmation of his behavior.

The immediate reaction by supporters of these candidates, was to condemn the media. Of course, the media is frequently a convenient whipping boy for anyone unhappy with what is being reported, regardless of their place on the political spectrum.

But in this case, reports that are easily believable have been under assault because they shined a light on ugly truths that supporters of these candidates do not want to believe.

We love to believe stories from these same media as long they support our point of view. Worse than that, we reach out to certain media that reports it like we see it. That’s why outlets like Breitbart, Fox News, Daily Kos and MSNBC are popular on the right and left.

We are less inclined to accept the “truth” unless it’s reported by “our” media.

And therein lies our problem. Rather than deal with facts and truth as they exist, we seek those “facts and truths” that support our perspective, often leading us to conclusions that do not reflect reality.

Climate change is a perfect example.

BOB WYNHAUSEN

Sandpoint