I understand the US doesn't have a lot of choice on the ballot
That is not at all true. Sure there may only be two parties with one candidate each on the national level (assuming you don't get involved with the primaries), but in the US a lot more local positions are elected (which in many ways have a much greater effect on your day to day life) and local referendums (or ballot initiatives) are very common.
Re:The Urgent Quest for Slower, Better News
by iamkroot on Thursday April 11, 2019 @12:10AM
(#19631093)
When it comes time to vote I research each candidate and ballot measure and make an informed decision with the information that I find. I don't need to be plugged into to every daily scandal to know that I fundamentally disagree with Trump's policies, a few minutes of research will tell me that just fine.
Re:The Urgent Quest for Slower, Better News
by jiggunjer on Thursday April 11, 2019 @01:13AM
(#19631331)
You'd be surprised how even fascists can portray themselves as reasonable on their own websites, or how lacking wikipedia is on some parties.
Ballot measures only address a small subset of policies, and they don't exist in many places. From what I understand making a 360 turn on them after being elected isn't uncommon either.
So your 'informed' decision is probably just as biased as someone who bases their decision on news.
Re:The Urgent Quest for Slower, Better News
by iamkroot on Thursday April 11, 2019 @02:22AM
(#19631649)
I would never use someone's own website as my sole source of information, that's just begging for trouble. I search out as many different sources as I can find, including voting history, town hall transcripts, interviews, endorsements, etc. etc.
I'm not really sure what point you're trying to make. Are you saying nobody can ever know enough to vote responsibly?
Re:The Urgent Quest for Slower, Better News
by Faark on Thursday April 11, 2019 @03:36AM
(#19631926)
I'd say the easiest source is the archive of a reputable news site, since journalists are historically responsible for collecting and refining this information. Thus we are back at the initial question: How to get Slower, Better News?
Re:The Urgent Quest for Slower, Better News
by stubish on Thursday April 11, 2019 @01:59AM
(#19631550)
When all the major parties have completely stopped serving your interests, following big media is pointless as it neglects the minor parties. You need to research it yourself or subscribe to fringe media, and you have more time to do that and are better informed if you don't waste your time with big media.
I understand the US doesn't have a lot of choice on the ballot, political news is highly polarized and latest/developing news is probably not worth following. But somewhat keeping up with what your government does so you can hold it accountable seems like a civic duty to me. And what better way to do this than news?