Preamble To Truth Alert

Thanks for taking a look at our Truth Alert section. I wanted to tell you why we decided to try a brand new way to tell it like it really is.. to nail the lies before they become established as fact.

There is great power in the printed word. Once printed, or even broadcast on TV, it is capable of becoming accepted as fact. Unfortunately, much of what is presented as news.. especially in the gossip and tabloid press.. strays far from the truth. Obtaining retractions or corrections are nearly impossible. If it does get in, the correcting truth is never presented as prominently or convincingly as the lie that preceded it. The misinformation, because it is usually negative and colorful, seems to have greater staying power.

But now the Internet comes along as a way to talk to people directly.. without having to rely on the lack of integrity of certain journalists who would rather print a story without checking. The really good journalists check out stories in advance. Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech are blessings, the very foundation of our democracy. For this reason, they shouldn't be abused.

So, given this powerful new medium, I decided to tell you the truth directly whenever we learn of some distortion which has been printed or broadcast. By the way, this is the only official Barbra Streisand website, the only one that comes straight from me and my staff. So I appreciate your checking in occasionally on Truth Alert. I hope it proves a useful tool for you in separating the truth from everything that isn't. Maybe this way we can get these tabloid news people to check their lies at the door.

Thanks,
Barbra