Talk:Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Difference between revisions
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::Zaathras, to which logical fallacy are you referring and what to what invalid point [[User:Taram|Taram]] ([[User talk:Taram|talk]]) 21:29, 4 July 2024 (UTC) |
::Zaathras, to which logical fallacy are you referring and what to what invalid point [[User:Taram|Taram]] ([[User talk:Taram|talk]]) 21:29, 4 July 2024 (UTC) |
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:::[[Fallacy fallacy]]. --[[User:Hob Gadling|Hob Gadling]] ([[User talk:Hob Gadling|talk]]) 07:23, 5 July 2024 (UTC) |
:::[[Fallacy fallacy]]. --[[User:Hob Gadling|Hob Gadling]] ([[User talk:Hob Gadling|talk]]) 07:23, 5 July 2024 (UTC) |
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== FALSE INFORMATION == |
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RFK Jr is not an anti-vaxxer nor a conspiracy theorist. [[Special:Contributions/2601:201:8E80:D780:95B7:F9D6:AAC6:454D|2601:201:8E80:D780:95B7:F9D6:AAC6:454D]] ([[User talk:2601:201:8E80:D780:95B7:F9D6:AAC6:454D|talk]]) 22:50, 15 July 2024 (UTC) |
Revision as of 22:55, 15 July 2024
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Q: Why does the article state Kennedy "is known for advocating anti-vaccine misinformation"?
A: There is a consensus that numerous reliable sources describe Kennedy as promoting anti-vaccine misinformation. This wording is the result of a 2023 RfC. Q: Why does article state that Kennedy advocates "public health–related conspiracy theories"?
A: Consensus is that multiple, independent, reliable sources describe Kennedy as an advocate and/or promoter of conspiracy theories. This wording is the result of a 2023 RfC. |
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Neutral tone
This article discusses a controversial presidential candidate but does not adhere to Wikipedia's standards, especially in the introductory paragraphs.
"All encyclopedic content on Wikipedia must be written from a neutral point of view (NPOV), which means representing fairly, proportionately, and, as far as possible, without editorial bias, all the significant views that have been published by reliable sources on a topic."[1]
1) It is advisable to avoid using loaded language such as "anti-vaccine activist" or "conspiracy theorist" at the beginning. Such terms can be perceived as judgmental labels. Instead, describe his positions objectively, for example, "has expressed skepticism about vaccine safety" or "has promoted theories questioning the mainstream COVID-19 narrative."
2) Focus on factual claims that can be sourced and attributed, rather than making definitive statements about what constitutes "misinformation." For instance, instead of declaring his group as "a leading proponent of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation," you could say something like "His advocacy group has made claims challenging the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, which have been disputed by public health authorities."
3) Offer balanced coverage by including information about his background, qualifications, and stated motivations, not just presenting opposition viewpoints. This approach allows readers to form their own evaluations.
4) Use reputable sources that represent a diverse range of perspectives when attributing claims and viewpoints. It is important to note that even experts can have political biases.
In the 1968 election, Walter Cronkite's famous neutral delivery of news in relation to George Wallace serves as a suitable example. I recommend that this article maintain a more neutral tone, particularly in the introductory paragraphs. Wikipedia should remain impartial and not favor any specific political viewpoint. Mfrittman (talk) 15:26, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- The key part of the quoted policy is "
all the significant views that have been published by reliable sources on a topic
". The policy does not mean we whitewash things. The reliable sources call him an anti-vaccine activist and conspiracy theorist. EvergreenFir (talk) 15:29, 17 May 2024 (UTC)- When covering controversial topics or public figures expressing views that are disputed by mainstream sources, it is preferable to represent the claims objectively and attribute them to the sources making those claims, rather than using potentially loaded language or appearing to take a stance on the accuracy of the claims. The goal should be to inform readers about the existence of the controversial viewpoints without endorsing or condemning them through subjective characterizations. Mfrittman (talk) 15:56, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- We do represent the claims objectively. They are objectively false. Suggesting otherwise would be misinforming our readers. – Muboshgu (talk) 16:01, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- His views may be false but that does not make someone a conspiracy theorist and you know that. The term is inappropriate and gives a specific image on Kennedy's character. Specifically, one that wears tin foil hats and tries to convince people that lizard people live in the white house. 153.231.10.14 (talk) 02:00, 26 June 2024 (UTC)
- Reliable sources call him that. It does not matter that you disagree with them. This is Wikipedia. Reliable sources win. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:29, 26 June 2024 (UTC)
- This is a discussion. Children might be led to believe that there are winners and losers on everything including grammar. Those who become genuine adults have learned to converse in order to find a kernel of truth and concensus in discussion. Taram (talk) 20:17, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Information is one thing, and misinformation is another thing. Replacing a word with a specific meaning by another word with a different meaning is not within the scope of grammar. You should consult WP:1AM ánd probably also WP:CIR. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:21, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- An informative reply as "You should consult WP:1AM ánd probably also WP:CIR. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:21, 4 July 2024 (UTC)" adds far more to attempts to get at kernels of truth through discussion as adults than does the childish suggestion that encyclopedic editors "win" a battle as when you wrote "Reliable sources win. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:29, 26 June 2024 (UTC)." Keep leaning into genuine discussion. Taram (talk) 21:39, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- I have no idea what you are talking about, but it sounds as arrogant and content-free as your last contribution. Stop it. This is not a forum. --Hob Gadling (talk) 07:22, 5 July 2024 (UTC)
- An informative reply as "You should consult WP:1AM ánd probably also WP:CIR. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:21, 4 July 2024 (UTC)" adds far more to attempts to get at kernels of truth through discussion as adults than does the childish suggestion that encyclopedic editors "win" a battle as when you wrote "Reliable sources win. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:29, 26 June 2024 (UTC)." Keep leaning into genuine discussion. Taram (talk) 21:39, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- Information is one thing, and misinformation is another thing. Replacing a word with a specific meaning by another word with a different meaning is not within the scope of grammar. You should consult WP:1AM ánd probably also WP:CIR. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:21, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- This is a discussion. Children might be led to believe that there are winners and losers on everything including grammar. Those who become genuine adults have learned to converse in order to find a kernel of truth and concensus in discussion. Taram (talk) 20:17, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Reliable sources call him that. It does not matter that you disagree with them. This is Wikipedia. Reliable sources win. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:29, 26 June 2024 (UTC)
- His views may be false but that does not make someone a conspiracy theorist and you know that. The term is inappropriate and gives a specific image on Kennedy's character. Specifically, one that wears tin foil hats and tries to convince people that lizard people live in the white house. 153.231.10.14 (talk) 02:00, 26 June 2024 (UTC)
- We do represent the claims objectively. They are objectively false. Suggesting otherwise would be misinforming our readers. – Muboshgu (talk) 16:01, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- You call them 'reliable sources', I call them biased sources who 'created terms and labels' that misrepresent Mr. Kennedy's actual views. I can not locate one place going back to 1970 in my extensive research of this presidential candidate, where Kennedy himself ever says anything 'other than' he wants 'safe vaccines' that are 'properly tested'. So he is technically not anti-vaxx, he is a 'safe vaccine activist'. The mainstream media repeating the term 'anti-vaxx' over and over again, does not make it true.
- Is it a conflict of interest if the media outlets, and government (NIH) receive more than 50% of their AD revenues and budgets from Big Pharma, and Kennedy is an attorney who sues Big pharma and those agencies for a living? So where are your 'reliable sources' getting their info? Did they just create those labels out of thin air to appease their pharmaceutical clients? Show me an 'original source' where kennedy says he is against 'all vaccines'. Just one.
- “People who advocate for safer vaccines should not be marginalized or denounced as anti-vaccine. I am pro-vaccine. I had all six of my children vaccinated. I believe that vaccines have saved the lives of hundreds of millions of humans over the past century and that broad vaccine coverage is critical to public health. But I want our vaccines to be as safe as possible.” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr -Thimeriosal book (2015)
- “They passed the vaccine act in 1986. And the vaccine act gave immunity from liability to all vaccine companies, if you, for any injury, for negligence. No matter how negligent you are, no matter how reckless your conduct, no matter how toxic the ingredient, how shoddily tested or manufactured the product, no matter how grievous your injury, you’re a vaccine company, you cannot be sued. This was a huge gift for this industry cause the biggest cost for every medical product is downstream liabilities. And all of a sudden, those disappeared. So you’re not only taking a way that cost, and incentivizing many new vaccines, your also dis-incentivizing, you’re removing the incentive to make them safe. No matter how dangerous they are, they don’t care, because they can’t be sued.”…. EAU vaccines “exempt from pre-licensing safety. They don’t have to be tested, and they’re not!” – RFK Jr (2023)
- “That’s not true… What I have said is vaccines, I’m not anti-vaccine. I think vaccines should be subjected to the same level of rigorous testing as other medications. And that is my only position. I fought to get mercury out of fish for 40 years, and nobody called me anti-fish. I’m not anti vaccines just because I want safe vaccines. I think everybody wants safe vaccines, and as we all now recognize, the covid vaccines were neither safe, nor effective.” - RFK JR link
- “I am fearlessly Pro vaccine, I wanna see, I’ve had all six of my children vaccinated, I wanna see everybody taking their vaccines, we need full coverage. People don’t take them because they no longer believe in the CDC, cause they can see the science! We spent three years looking at every peer reviewed science publication ever written on Thimerosal. We found over 500 peer reviewed publications, all of them say it is the most potent neurotoxin that is not radioactive, why… it's 30 times more toxic than lead. Why would we put that in childrens, a child, or pregnant woman if we didn’t have too. And we’ve already been shown by its removal from the pediatric vaccines, that we have good alternatives, we don’t need it anymore.” - RFK JR (2014)
- In a 2023 interview link Lex Fridman asked: "You’ve talked about that the media slanders you by calling you an anti-vaxxer, and you’ve said that you’re not anti-vaccine, you’re pro safe vaccine. Difficult question, can you name any vaccines that you think are good? And RFKJ's response was : "I think some of the live virus vaccines are probably averting more problems than they’re causing."
- If he were anti-vaxx he would not say 'some of the live viruses are good'. Pantress (talk) 14:25, 13 June 2024 (UTC)
- Oh he denied that he's an anti-vaxxer when asked directly? WP:MANDY applies. – Muboshgu (talk) 22:03, 19 June 2024 (UTC)
- Yes. Do you need a URL? Taram (talk) 20:18, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- No thanks, I have plenty. Such as "RFK Jr. says he’s not anti-vaccine. His record shows the opposite. It’s one of many inconsistencies" by NPR and "RFK Jr: How anti-vaccine misinformation has shaped his 'truth-teller' candidacy" by BBC. – Muboshgu (talk) 02:59, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- Why did you ask, Mandy, "Oh he denied that he's an anti-vaxxer when asked directly? WP:MANDY applies. – Muboshgu (talk) 22:03, 19 June 2024 (UTC)" since you had prejudged what you would believe and allow written when you replied to the question about needing a citation for that status when you wrote, "No thanks, I have plenty. Such as 'RFK Jr. says he’s not anti-vaccine. His record shows the opposite. It’s one of many inconsistencies' by NPR and 'RFK Jr: How anti-vaccine misinformation has shaped his 'truth-teller' candidacy' by BBC. – Muboshgu (talk) 02:59, 4 July 2024 (UTC)"? Taram (talk) 21:47, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- No thanks, I have plenty. Such as "RFK Jr. says he’s not anti-vaccine. His record shows the opposite. It’s one of many inconsistencies" by NPR and "RFK Jr: How anti-vaccine misinformation has shaped his 'truth-teller' candidacy" by BBC. – Muboshgu (talk) 02:59, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- Look up RFK JR and Bill Maher debate vaccines on YouTube. He spells it out.
- He is not an anti-vax conspiracy theorist, he is skeptical of the pharmaceutical industry. 216.237.237.209 (talk) 13:15, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- Read the FAQ. Check the archives how many times this has been discussed. --Hob Gadling (talk) 15:09, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- Yes. Do you need a URL? Taram (talk) 20:18, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Oh he denied that he's an anti-vaxxer when asked directly? WP:MANDY applies. – Muboshgu (talk) 22:03, 19 June 2024 (UTC)
- Those "reliable sources" are biased news networks. Shameful by Wikipedia to be so blatantly paid off. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump's pages are written without these loaded and biased labels. 173.47.198.221 (talk) 21:52, 19 June 2024 (UTC)
- If Biden or Trump were anti-vaxxers, their pages would say so. Blaming the reliable sources is not going to get you anywhere. – Muboshgu (talk) 22:02, 19 June 2024 (UTC)
- Kennedy has said himself that he is _not_ anti-vaccine. He and his children are vaccinated, in fact. He clarifies that he is for increases in vaccine safety. The "anti-vax" characterization is incorrect or at least not current. JoshMcCullough (talk) 17:53, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Read the FAQ. --Hob Gadling (talk) 18:23, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- The FAQ is useless if you all still will not get the simple point that "anti-vaccine activist" and "conspiracy theorist" have negative connotations and should not be used in what is supposed to be a neutral source of information. JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:25, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- "He would say that, wouldn't he?" – Muboshgu (talk) 19:06, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Translation: "Fuck rules, fuck reliable sources, fuck consensus, I will do the edits I want based on my own misunderstanding of what neutrality is, and I will not listen to reasoning." You will probably not have a future here with that attitude. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:24, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- Read the FAQ. --Hob Gadling (talk) 18:23, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- When covering controversial topics or public figures expressing views that are disputed by mainstream sources, it is preferable to represent the claims objectively and attribute them to the sources making those claims, rather than using potentially loaded language or appearing to take a stance on the accuracy of the claims. The goal should be to inform readers about the existence of the controversial viewpoints without endorsing or condemning them through subjective characterizations. Mfrittman (talk) 15:56, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- Again, this is a lack of understanding of NPOV. NPOV does not mean that our articles have to come across is neutral. NPOV means that our articles have to reflect reliable sources. All suggestions you propose are not neutral as they cast doubt on vaccines and misportray his antivaccine activism in contradiction to RS. – Muboshgu (talk) 15:50, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- It is wise for Wikipedia to refrain from making declarative statements that could be perceived as taking sides prematurely. When it comes to the origins and response of COVID-19, while some have labeled certain perspectives as "fringe" or based on misinformation, the truth is that a complete understanding is still evolving. Credible sources have presented differing viewpoints that were initially dismissed by others.
- Maintaining a neutral point of view entails presenting a range of prominent perspectives on such unresolved issues without prejudging their validity. Labelling positions as "fringe science" or "conspiracy theories" may amount to editorializing if it conflicts with how reputable sources are characterizing those views. Perceived "consensus" perspectives have been overturned by new evidence and analysis in the past.
- In accordance with Wikipedia guidelines, it is advisable to use precise, unbiased language directly from reliable sources when discussing the various claims and allegations surrounding COVID-19. This approach avoids assuming which perspectives will ultimately be proven right or wrong in the future. Striving for neutrality means refraining from definitively dismissing views that, while currently contentious, are supported by credible sourcing. The objective is to inform, rather than advocate for a particular narrative.
- Does this revised explanation encapsulate the essence of representing contentious, unsettled topics like COVID-19 from a neutral standpoint that seeks impartiality? I have tried to emphasize the importance of achieving balance and exercising caution when addressing divisive issues where the full picture is still emerging. Mfrittman (talk) 16:15, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- You are emphasizing WP:FALSEBALANCE. RFK Jr's views on vaccines are widely discredited. We reflect what reliable sources say, period. If reliable sources change what they say, then we change what we say. – Muboshgu (talk) 16:33, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- Unfortunately, the majority of these reliable sources reflect a specific political perspective. Should sources from other political viewpoints be deemed unreliable solely because they differ? Wikipedia’s role is not to take sides but to present balanced, verifiable information from a wide array of perspectives.
- In the US, much of the mainstream media is controlled by a handful of corporations, each with its own interests. Some lean Democratic, others Republican, and both sides influence the content they produce. As a result, it's essential to consider the broader context and potential biases in the information we cite. Independent scholarly works and smaller news agencies might offer less biased reporting, which is crucial for maintaining Wikipedia's neutrality.
- RFK Jr. is an environmental lawyer who has often challenged powerful corporations on pollution issues. It's worth noting that these corporations have significant resources to influence public opinion and expert commentary. While many criticisms of him are likely valid, we must be cautious of potential political agendas behind these critiques. RFK Jr.'s stances may conflict with the interests of established organizations, and this conflict could shape the portrayal of his views.
- Some of his claims might be discredited, while others might not be, and it’s essential to acknowledge this uncertainty. Wikipedia should not become a platform for perpetuating any particular viewpoint, especially during an election cycle when political motivations are heightened. We should focus on presenting information in a balanced manner, reflecting a wide range of reliable sources without leaning into the language that could be perceived as biased.
- I understand that many trust the mainstream media's perspective, but there's a slight possibility that Wikipedia could unintentionally mirror any biases present. It would be more appropriate to use neutral language and present all sides fairly. Just because multiple sources describe someone in a certain way doesn't mean Wikipedia should adopt that language.
- By ensuring our content is presented without bias, we uphold Wikipedia’s standards and provide a resource that everyone can trust, regardless of their political views. Mfrittman (talk) 17:52, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- We've gone over these same exact arguments over and over again on this talk page. I'm not rehashing it anymore here with you. You can read above on this talk page and in the talk page archives to get caught up. – Muboshgu (talk) 19:14, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- I understand that these arguments have been discussed extensively. However, the repeated nature of these comments suggests there might be ongoing concerns about the article's neutrality. My goal is not to debate political beliefs but to ensure that we uphold Wikipedia's standards for balanced and unbiased content. Let's make sure we are reflecting a wide range of reliable sources fairly. Mfrittman (talk) 00:18, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
the repeated nature of these comments suggests there might be ongoing concerns about the article's neutrality
... No. What it suggests a handful of single-purpose accounts, one-and-done IP editors, or those generally unfamiliar with Wikipedia policy trying to make an article reflect their own biases. Zaathras (talk) 01:14, 18 May 2024 (UTC)- ↑ Exactly this. – Muboshgu (talk) 01:22, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- Bingo ! Moxy🍁 01:41, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- I appreciate your input. I recognize the value of upholding Wikipedia's principles and remaining impartial. To be clear, I am contributing to this talk page because I genuinely want to make sure that the article satisfies Wikipedia's requirements for impartial and balanced material.
- I welcome you to examine my editing history, which is accessible to the public, in response to the assertion that these comments are solely coming from accounts with a specific aim or from people who are not familiar with Wikipedia policies. My past demonstrates my contributions to a wide range of subjects, with a primary emphasis on science and color theory. This proves that my account isn't exclusively focused on pursuing any certain goal.
- By ensuring that the article gives a well-rounded and impartial view, especially in light of the various opinions on the topic, my goal here is not to represent personal biases. I think it's critical that we take the criticism seriously and try to improve the article's objectivity so that it complies with Wikipedia's guidelines. Mfrittman (talk) 05:35, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- I am an uninvolved administrator. It is time to make an actionable proposal to improve the article or move on. What text should be added or removed? What source would support the change? Why should it be made? This is not a forum where thoughts about biases or anything else are exchanged. Johnuniq (talk) 07:16, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- It isn't easy to present an objective piece about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. because of his broad condemnation in the mainstream media. This critique needs to be acknowledged, but it's also important to recognize the existence of biases and work toward a more balanced and impartial analysis. Following Wikipedia's guidelines, my goal is that the article be considered fair by people representing different views. I will present a proposal with suggestions in the coming days. Mfrittman (talk) 18:33, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
my goal is that the article be considered fair by people representing different views
This is impossible. Wikipedia guidelines demand that fringe ideas be put into a mainstream context without any false balance. Kennedy fanbois will never consider anything like that fair. It's their problem. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:36, 19 May 2024 (UTC)- Using the word "fanbois" shows your bias. Can we get some non-baised editors on here? JoshMcCullough (talk) 18:39, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- It isn't easy to present an objective piece about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. because of his broad condemnation in the mainstream media. This critique needs to be acknowledged, but it's also important to recognize the existence of biases and work toward a more balanced and impartial analysis. Following Wikipedia's guidelines, my goal is that the article be considered fair by people representing different views. I will present a proposal with suggestions in the coming days. Mfrittman (talk) 18:33, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- I am an uninvolved administrator. It is time to make an actionable proposal to improve the article or move on. What text should be added or removed? What source would support the change? Why should it be made? This is not a forum where thoughts about biases or anything else are exchanged. Johnuniq (talk) 07:16, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- Bingo ! Moxy🍁 01:41, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- ↑ Exactly this. – Muboshgu (talk) 01:22, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- Total newb chiming in here -- using loaded terms like "anti-vaccine" is definitely seen as being biased, particularly when the man himself has explained his position on vaccines repeatedly and is, in fact, not "anti-vaccine". That this giant topic/thread exists, and the term still won't be updated is borderline election interference. JoshMcCullough (talk) 18:37, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- A simple Google search of "RFK anti-vaccine" will provide lots of hits to WP:RS, enough to show that this term is valid in spite of RFK's weak denials. – Muboshgu (talk) 19:07, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- It is not "valid". Those sources use the term "anti-vaccine" to paint his points of view in a negative light. But he could very well be correct, but just not fit the official messaging. I know you understand this, so why not just fix the language used here? JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:27, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
he could very well be correct
Given your knowledge. But Wikipedia is not based on your knowledge, it is based on the knowledge of humanity. Which includes a real lot of people who know far more than you do. Read WP:FALSEBALANCE, and be more modest. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:28, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- It is not "valid". Those sources use the term "anti-vaccine" to paint his points of view in a negative light. But he could very well be correct, but just not fit the official messaging. I know you understand this, so why not just fix the language used here? JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:27, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- A simple Google search of "RFK anti-vaccine" will provide lots of hits to WP:RS, enough to show that this term is valid in spite of RFK's weak denials. – Muboshgu (talk) 19:07, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- I understand that these arguments have been discussed extensively. However, the repeated nature of these comments suggests there might be ongoing concerns about the article's neutrality. My goal is not to debate political beliefs but to ensure that we uphold Wikipedia's standards for balanced and unbiased content. Let's make sure we are reflecting a wide range of reliable sources fairly. Mfrittman (talk) 00:18, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
- Mffrittman - I agree wholeheartedly. There is a clear bias happening here. Otherwise they wouldn't start off his CAREER section with the headline "Conviction for heroin possession". I never knew that 'addiction, conviction, and heroin possession' was a CAREER choice. I don't have a problem with the mentioning his heroin addiction at all, he talks openly of his past that occurred 40 years ago. But perhaps putting it in his 'personal' section is where it should be noted. Allowing it in the 'headline' like this is an intentional 'HIT JOB' with the sole purpose of damaging his reputation. Pantress (talk) 14:47, 13 June 2024 (UTC)
- I suppose there will be a level of bias in everything and that is why there is bias here. The bias originates with the references that are considered trustworthy sources. Almost every source will be inherently biased so we can only use the sources and do our best based off of them. But what we can do here is prevent Wikipedia-born bias. I would consider putting the addictions in his career section as such. Therefore I agree with this idea to move them for the purpose of both neutral point of view and biography of living persons. Logawinner (talk) 03:21, 15 June 2024 (UTC)
- We've gone over these same exact arguments over and over again on this talk page. I'm not rehashing it anymore here with you. You can read above on this talk page and in the talk page archives to get caught up. – Muboshgu (talk) 19:14, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- You are emphasizing WP:FALSEBALANCE. RFK Jr's views on vaccines are widely discredited. We reflect what reliable sources say, period. If reliable sources change what they say, then we change what we say. – Muboshgu (talk) 16:33, 17 May 2024 (UTC)
- While Kennedy does not deny being an anti-vaxxer, we can see that he is anti-government, and in that way, he mentions that he does NOT want to eliminate or restrict vaccines, but he however is only against the current vaccines produced by the current government and previous administrations.
- If elected, he intends to study and reform them if the so-called "conspiracies" are true.
- I propose that we preserve the term “propaganda” in the anti-vaccine hysteria part of this section
- personally, i believe that it is unbiased. however, it is pretty biased in a way it is pretty over-exaggerated. 52Timer (talk) 20:53, 12 July 2024 (UTC)
Kennedy does not deny
Yes he does. As do pretty much all anti-vaxxers.he intends to study and reform them if the so-called "conspiracies" are true
He is already convinced that they are true, and he has no clue how to "study" vaccines or how to pick people who have a clue about it. He rejects real scientists and believes quacks, frauds and grifters like Andrew Wakefield, who has a patent on something he calls a "measles vaccine" and will earn a lot of money with that if Kennedy has a say about it. --Hob Gadling (talk) 08:30, 13 July 2024 (UTC)- “Kennedy does not deny Yes he does. As do pretty much all anti-vaxxers.”
- Cool the Fault Generalization! 52Timer (talk) 00:59, 14 July 2024 (UTC)
- Whoever wrote this Wikipedia should be fired. Inaccurate sources. 2600:6C40:7D00:670A:FC75:6626:886F:84ED (talk) 18:03, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- "Fired"?
But whatever will we all do without the $0.00/month income? – Muboshgu (talk) 19:16, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- Man i love me some 0.00 bucks a year income! 52Timer (talk) 01:03, 14 July 2024 (UTC)
- "Fired"?
Neutral tone does not mean that the subject is presented in a positive light, but that the writing does not use value-laden language. There are many articles about criminals and truly evil politicians, such as dictators, that are written dispassionately without emotive language. Hitler for example was a mass murderer, racist, conspiracy theorist and anti-vaxxer who believed in quack medicine, yet his article uses none of these terms.
Opponents of RFK Jr. editing this article should consider that displaying a biased tone in writing about him makes readers question the reliability of the article. It's like listening to a Fox News Channel talk show host. If you agree with him or her, you like the tone because it authenticates what you already believe. But if you don't, then it turns you off. Ironically, by coming on too strong, the article actually helps RFK Jr.'s campaign. TFD (talk) 13:21, 19 May 2024 (UTC)
- However, the problem that many visitors to this page seem to have is that Kennedy is described as an "anti-vaccine activist and conspiracy theorist", they believe these descriptors aren't "fair" (or even that they're false, which is not true). Saying these things is not "value-laden" - being "value-laden" would be using descriptors that can be disputed. But these things are simply facts. This isn't an edge case - Kennedy and his organisations deliberately spread disinformation, as well as misinformation - they know these things are false. Incidentally, this is coming from someone who isn't even American and therefore couldn't care less how Kennedy does in the election. There may be "opponents" editing, but I would like to see evidence of that. Black Kite (talk) 14:06, 19 May 2024 (UTC)
- It's fair and accurate to describe Osama bin Laden as a terrorist, but per Wikipedia policy of neutral tone he is not described that way because it is a value laden term. That doesn't mean the article condones his actions or that readers will be any less informed.
- Incidentally, would you or other editors vote for a "anti-vaccine activist and conspiracy theorist?" Or do you think it would be a good thing or at least not a bad thing for someone like that to control the world's most powerful army and economy? TFD (talk) 16:16, 19 May 2024 (UTC)
- What sort of reasoning is that? We cannot follow what the reliable sources say about Kennedy because of Osama and Hitler and... because if people do not know he is an anti-vaccine activist and conspiracy theorist if the Wikipedia article does not tell them that, they may vote for him? --Hob Gadling (talk) 17:29, 19 May 2024 (UTC)
- That's ... slightly bizarre reasoning. I think you need to realise that some US voters would vote for Kennedy because he pushes views that they agree with. It is not the job of Wikipedia to suggest that, merely to point out whether (per reliable sources) those views are based in reality or not. Black Kite (talk) 17:48, 19 May 2024 (UTC)
- I did not say, "We cannot follow what the reliable sources say about Kennedy because of Osama and Hitler," I said that we do not violate neutral tone for people worse than Kennedy. I would be appreciative if you would not interject misleading ripostes that do nothing to further the conversation.
- As you are aware, the vast majority of reliable sources do not label RFK Jr., they merely describe his statements and positions. That's because mainstream media, unless they have a stated editorial bias, try to avoid the appearance of bias. The same btw is also true of reputable encyclopedias and university textbooks.
- I agree that the article should point out RFK Jr.'s views. But you can do that without using judgmental labels for the subject of the article. BTW not everyone who supports RFK Jr. support him because of his views, some see him as the lesser of three evils. If they come across an article written in an obviously biased tone, they may discount what it says. I feel the same way when I come across any polemical writing, unless I share the same beliefs as the writer. How likely are you to be persuaded by an article in the National Review for example? TFD (talk) 22:20, 19 May 2024 (UTC)
- TFD, you're absolutely correct and have clearly articulated yourself and the issues with the article in its current form. It does not reflect the truth with the language used. 49.179.57.60 (talk) 13:47, 25 May 2024 (UTC)
- "Kennedy and his organisations deliberately spread disinformation, as well as misinformation - they know these things are false."
- Who's to say if the information is mis/dis information? It depends on the source. And sources are quick to write things off as mid/dis information. Can someone just write this article in a neutral tone? Why is that such a hard thing to accomplish? JoshMcCullough (talk) 18:43, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- That was VERY on point. The Hitler example is just perfect. This article is clearly very biased, as it uses very aggressive labels and the admins claim that they come from reliable sources. Yet, Adolf Hitler which was kind of worse has a neutral page. 2601:19E:427C:3CD0:CCD8:805F:9CC9:4107 (talk) 00:06, 15 June 2024 (UTC)
References
- ^ "Wikipedia:Neutral point of view". Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
All encyclopedic content on Wikipedia must be written from a neutral point of view (NPOV), which means representing disputed views without taking sides in proportion to their representation among experts on the topic.
- You keep going on those weird tangents. As if it were our goal to influence the votes of readers and we need to fantasize about how readers will react to what we write. It is our goal to follow what reliable sources say, regardless of whether readers like it or whether it makes them vote for whoever.
- And neither the Wikipedia article about Hitler nor the one about anyone else is a reliable source or a good model for this one. Unlike AH and ObL, Kennedy has not started a war or had anyone killed (unless you count those who died of measles because their parents did not vaccinate them after they listened to him), so, unlike AH and ObL, the untruths he spreads are his most relevant aspect. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:44, 20 May 2024 (UTC)
- Obviously I have not clearly explained myself because that is an inaccurate summary of my position.
- This article, like all articles should present all the facts about the subject in proportion to their coverage in reliable sources and all the opinions published in reliable sources according to their prominence. At the same time the article should use the language typically used in reliable sources which avoid value laden classifications of people.
- I chose the examples of other biographies to show that we can write about people worse than RFK Jr. without emotive and value-laden language.I don't understand how you draw the opposite conclusion, that neutral tone applies to murderers but not to people who have not directly killed anyone. Surely if we chose judgmental language, it would be for the worst people. TFD (talk) 16:18, 20 May 2024 (UTC)
- I am not saying
that neutral tone applies to murderers but not to people who have not directly killed anyone
. I am saying that both RFKJ as AH spread conspiracy theories but for AH, his murderous activities are more important, moving his conspiracy theories into the background and making his article a bad role model regarding that aspect. --Hob Gadling (talk) 07:41, 23 May 2024 (UTC)- But AH isn't referred to as a murderer either, nor is OBL. TFD (talk) 20:19, 29 May 2024 (UTC)
- Probably because reliable sources do not call them that. Still a weird tangent. We follow what the reliable sources say, and it is not our fault when they talk about RFKJ that way. --Hob Gadling (talk) 07:01, 30 May 2024 (UTC)
- Discussion of RFK Jr. and Political Affiliations
- People's political views influence how they discuss RFK Jr. When someone refers to him as a "anti-vaxxer" and a "conspiracy theorist," it usually indicates that they have Democratic party influence. He may be viewed differently by Republicans, Libertarians, and certain independent left-wing sources.
- Association with the Great Barrington Declaration
- RFK Jr. is associated with a group of scientists and their allies who endorse the "Great Barrington Declaration" which advocated for an alternative response to the COVID epidemic. Members of this "Great Barrington" group contend that their voices have been silenced by deleted or shadow banned posts and accounts, while their detractors paint them as spreading misinformation on COVID-19 without participating in rational scientific discussion. This perspective is somewhat corroborated by primary documents from the Murthy vs. Missouri court case.
- The scientists, who have been accused by Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Democratic administration, appear to have impressive credentials, including Ph.D. epidemiologists and policy experts who teach at prestigious universities. There is even a Nobel laureate among their supporters.
- Multiple Perspectives on Scientific Discourse
- We are not discussing climate science in this context. It hasn't been decades that pandemic response policy has been peer reviewed like climate science. Despite being embraced by people who disagree with the Biden administration, I don't see any evidence that this alternative viewpoint started as a position to create chaos for the administration at the time. Its scientific merits must be judged rather than its political merits.
- I maintain neutrality on the disagreement. The debate on scientific viewpoints during COVID has been divisive. It is helpful to understand the context of RFK Jr.'s labeling and consider multiple perspectives. For example, the terms "spreader of COVID misinformation" that were used to characterize RFK Jr. are also used to characterize Dr. Jay Bhattachara of Stanford. Modern technology can produce a false consensus if opposing viewpoints are suppressed, erased, or ranked lower in search results.
- RFK Jr.’s Beliefs and Public Perception
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is well-known for his beliefs in conspiracy theories, including the belief that the CIA was involved in his uncle's assassination. This belief is widely shared by a majority of Americans, including Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. He also believes that there is a revolving door between politics and lucrative corporate jobs that corrupts the system. Also, he claims that gain-of-function research was conducted on the COVID virus and that it escaped from the Wuhan Lab. These theories, while labeled as conspiracy theories, are discussed in various media outlets and may not be as fringe as is often implied.
- Controversial Views on Vaccines
- He has discussed a previous client who alleged that her son developed autism after receiving vaccinations. He has put forward the theory that vaccines could potentially be a factor in causing autism and should undergo further testing. As a result, some individuals have accused RFK Jr. of stating that "vaccines cause autism." It is possible that media outlets with a Democratic bias may potentially alter his statements to appear more extreme than intended.
- Critique of Media Portrayal
- In my opinion, RFK Jr. is incorrect about many things. However, the article heavily relies on Democratic party clichés and fails to address his actual inaccuracies. For example, his claim that the IDF has a one-to-one ratio of combatant to civilian casualties in Gaza contrasts with other sources reporting a 3 to 1 ratio. Democrats displeased with President Biden’s stance on Gaza will not find a more favorable option in Kennedy.
- Concluding Thoughts
- When discussing sensitive topics such as RFK Jr. and potential biases in algorithms that may align with mainstream Democratic viewpoints, it is important to conduct thorough research and avoid falling into common stereotypes. These algorithms have the ability to shape public opinion in a way that may not fully capture the diversity of perspectives. Therefore, it is crucial to approach these discussions with a critical mindset, seeking information from a variety of reputable sources to develop a well-informed understanding.
- Wikipedia's guidelines emphasize the use of secondary reliable sources. However, it is vital to verify the accuracy and reliability of the information presented to ensure professional and ethical communication.
- I have found more balanced discussions on these topics from reputable sources such as News Nation, The Hill Newspaper, Reason Magazine, and the BBC. Even certain CNN articles demonstrate a more neutral tone without the use of loaded terms. Mfrittman (talk) 09:26, 1 June 2024 (UTC)
- Probably because reliable sources do not call them that. Still a weird tangent. We follow what the reliable sources say, and it is not our fault when they talk about RFKJ that way. --Hob Gadling (talk) 07:01, 30 May 2024 (UTC)
- But AH isn't referred to as a murderer either, nor is OBL. TFD (talk) 20:19, 29 May 2024 (UTC)
- I am not saying
- You spent a lot of words to (again) yell "It's biased!" Zaathras (talk) 12:46, 1 June 2024 (UTC)
- I don't see any point in discussing all the same useless "It's biaaaaased" BS again and again.
- We should close that and wait for the next "awaken" user to point out that it is biaaased. vote for close.--Julius Senegal (talk) 17:17, 1 June 2024 (UTC)
- I vote for it to remain open. Mfrittman makes points that I fully agree with. There is a bias happening here and it needs to be resolved. Pantress (talk) 15:00, 13 June 2024 (UTC)
- It's quite clearly biased. Let's do something about it instead of arguing. JoshMcCullough (talk) 18:58, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- They didn't. AI did. – Muboshgu (talk) 23:03, 1 June 2024 (UTC)
- Hob Gadling, you said that reliable sources don't refer to AH and OBL as murderers, while they refer to RFK Jr. as a conspiracy theorist. In fact, rs do refer to them as murderers but most don't, just a most rs don't refer to RFK Jr. as a conspiracy theorist. It depends on whether or not they are using a neutral tone. If you are trying to persuade people that AH, OBL and RFK Jr. are horrible people, then you use value-laden language. If you are writing an encyclopedic article, you don't. TFD (talk) 22:51, 1 June 2024 (UTC)
- I am not interested in your literary comparison attempts. Articles are different when their subjects are different, that's enough. --Hob Gadling (talk) 13:22, 2 June 2024 (UTC)
- @Hob Gadling: "I'm not interested" and "that's enough" are hardly serious responses to the policy concerns raised by @TFD - you might as well just say "I just don't like it." An article does not need to constantly use value-laden language to plainly express facts about Kennedy's positions on vaccines, etc. HappyWanderer15 (talk) 14:05, 3 June 2024 (UTC)
- I do not need pings, I have a watchlist. And "the article X handles a different thing differently from how this article handles this thing" is not a "policy concern". --Hob Gadling (talk) 04:17, 4 June 2024 (UTC)
- WP:NPOV (specifically WP:IMPARTIAL) and WP:BLP (specifically WP:BLPSTYLE) are relevant policies here. See also WP:MOS (especially MOS:LABEL). This sounds like the crux of what TFD is referring to: "Value-laden labels – such as calling an organization a cult, an individual a racist, sexist, terrorist, or freedom fighter, or a sexual practice a perversion – may express contentious opinion and are best avoided unless widely used by reliable sources to describe the subject, in which case use in-text attribution." HappyWanderer15 (talk) 10:12, 4 June 2024 (UTC)
- And before you say that the label is "widely used by reliable sources to describe the subject," I will quote what TFD said above in references to referring to Hitler, bin Laden, etc. as "murderers" and ask you to respond: "In fact, rs do refer to them as murderers but most don't, just a most rs don't refer to RFK Jr. as a conspiracy theorist." HappyWanderer15 (talk) 10:14, 4 June 2024 (UTC)
- It is widely used by reliable sources to describe the subject. Zaathras (talk) 21:43, 4 June 2024 (UTC)
- Comparisons to other articles are still not a policy concern. --Hob Gadling (talk) 04:48, 5 June 2024 (UTC)
- I was listening to the "On Point" show on NPR in my car this morning, where they were discussing the legacy of censorship during the COVID pandemic. The show featured an interview with a scientist who had faced censorship and was accused of spreading misinformation because the results of her research did not align with the official narrative. They also revisited the "Great Barrington Declaration" in light of the negative impact of isolation on children during COVID. The theory of a Wuhan lab leak is no longer considered fringe.
- Robert Kennedy Jr. has been labeled as a spreader of COVID misinformation and anti-vaxxer because of his support for the Great Barrington Declaration and his belief in the Wuhan lab leak theory. He has also been called a conspiracy theorist due to these beliefs. However, attitudes are now shifting towards a reevaluation of how individuals were treated during the pandemic. The criticism of Robert Kennedy Jr. stems mainly from his status as a COVID dissident. These viewpoints are currently being reassessed, even by mainstream media outlets. With changing attitudes, many are starting to see Robert Kennedy Jr. in a different light. To reflect the change in attitudes, this article should be updated. Mfrittman (talk) 17:55, 11 June 2024 (UTC)
- The article describes Kennedy's spread of COVID misinformation and his anti-vaccine views, but those have nothing to do with either the GBD or the lab leak theory. Speaking more generally, we should update the article based on new reliable sources, not on assertions of "changing attitudes". Firefangledfeathers (talk / contribs) 17:58, 11 June 2024 (UTC)
- Like other GBD dissidents, Kennedy is also involved in the Murthy vs. Missouri case with them. The labels of anti-vaxxers and spreaders of COVID misinformation are applied to Kennedy, Bhattacharya, Levitt, and all other GBD supporters. Mfrittman (talk) 20:05, 11 June 2024 (UTC)
- Just stop using value-laden terms, while highlighting RFK Jr.'s points of view, it's straightforward to do so. JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:03, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- The article describes Kennedy's spread of COVID misinformation and his anti-vaccine views, but those have nothing to do with either the GBD or the lab leak theory. Speaking more generally, we should update the article based on new reliable sources, not on assertions of "changing attitudes". Firefangledfeathers (talk / contribs) 17:58, 11 June 2024 (UTC)
- It is closely related to Kennedy's support for the Great Barrington Declaration. Both Kennedy and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya have spoken about their association and agreement regarding COVID policies. The same labels were applied to anyone who supported the GBD. I have even read articles attempting to dismiss Nobel Prize winner Mike Levitt as a nut because he supported the GBD. "He’s a Stanford professor and a Nobel laureate. Critics say he was dangerously misleading on Covid." These articles are all the same and have the same critisms of anyone who supported the GBD.
- https://www.statnews.com/2021/05/24/stanford-professor-and-nobel-laureate-critics-say-he-was-dangerously-misleading-on-covid/ Mfrittman (talk) 19:36, 11 June 2024 (UTC)
- I don't think we share enough common understanding of reality for further dialogue to be productive. Best of luck. Firefangledfeathers (talk / contribs) 19:38, 11 June 2024 (UTC)
- I may be mistaken in my belief that the name-calling directed towards Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is anti-GBD propaganda. It would be simple to prove me wrong. The Great Barrington Declaration was signed in October 2020, so if any of the name-calling towards Robert Kennedy Jr., such as "anti-vaxxer," "conspiracy theorist," or "spreader of dangerous COVID misinformation," occurred before the signing, I would be happy to admit my error. Mfrittman (talk) 20:16, 12 June 2024 (UTC)
- Reference #8 at the moment:
Mnookin, Seth (January 11, 2017). "How Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Distorted Vaccine Science". Scientific American. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017. "For more than a decade, Kennedy has promoted anti-vaccine propaganda completely unconnected to reality."
- 2017 was before 2020. Why do I have to do this for you? I am pretty sure that finding the reference took me less time than it took you to write the
I may be mistaken in my belief
contribution. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:32, 13 June 2024 (UTC)- I believe you may have misunderstood my point, although I acknowledge that my language may not have been entirely clear. I was not suggesting that RFK Jr. had never faced criticism before the COVID pandemic. He has been involved in multiple legal cases against a variety of industries in the past, resulting in the targeting of individuals who seek to damage his reputation.
- My point was that the specific language used to criticize him during the COVID period had changed, and this language is commonly associated with him and his allies who wrote the Great Barrington Declaration. The article you shared contains criticisms, but it does not label him as an "anti-vaxxer," for instance. Still, it was an easily misunderstood point, so you have proved that RFK jr. has been criticized for a long time.
- I am not a medical expert myself, but I am aware that RFK Jr. has several advisors who specialize in medical issues. For example, when Nicole Shanahan joined his team, he had Dr. Bhattacharya, a medical policy expert from Stanford, brief her on medical policy. Therefore, I am unable to determine who is correct or incorrect when it comes to COVID policy, but it is probable that his viewpoints have some merit. Mfrittman (talk) 18:28, 20 June 2024 (UTC)
- 15 posts to this talk page and to this topic since May 17th, and nowhere else. If may be time to accept that your opinion has not swayed anyone, and to move on. Zaathras (talk) 23:58, 20 June 2024 (UTC)
For more than a decade, Kennedy has promoted anti-vaccine propaganda completely unconnected to reality
and calling him an anti-vaxxer are exactly the same thing. You were not, as you claimed,happy to admit [your] error
. Instead, you are using excuses to avoid that.The article you shared contains criticisms, but it does not label him as an "anti-vaxxer"
Kennedy has been an antivaxxer for a long time, and the article has said so for a long time. Another easy thing you could have done yourself: Here is the last version of the article before October 2020. Search it for "vax". There are three sources that call him an antivaxxer in the title. This is the last version of 2019 (so, pre-COVID). It also contains those three sources. It also says he spreads conspiracy theories, and he is in the conspiracy theory category. In the current version, those three sources are still there, and there are about ten more because he has turned the antivaxx up to eleven since then.- It is OK that you do not want to admit your mistake, we are used to that. But can you at least stop misusing this page as a forum by pretending you would admit it? --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:49, 21 June 2024 (UTC)
- It's not really relevant if a source calls him an "anti-vaxxer", it is still a "value-laden" term as you all put it. So when you're writing an article for the world's most popular online encyclopedia, shouldn't you avoid using such terms? JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:08, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- As an observation of this discussion I should point out that this page does not call him an "anti-vaxxer" but an "anti-vaccine activist" which is consistent with sources that cover his career long before he became a political candidate. whether being "anti-vax" is a term of disparagement is beside the real point which is that reliable sources can consistently verify that his stance on vaccines is a significant part of his career and the accurate picture of his biography also comes from the fact that he is also known for his career as an environmental lawyer. The intro is supposed to summarize the contents of the article and both his legal career and anti-vaccine activism are major elements of his biography and notoriety. Jorahm (talk) 17:28, 23 June 2024 (UTC)
- If you want to be more accurate, you could use the term "anti-unsafe-vaccine activist". JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:08, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
"Unsafe" is completely inaccurate in this context. – Muboshgu (talk) 19:11, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- If you want to be more accurate, you could use the term "anti-unsafe-vaccine activist". JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:08, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Reference #8 at the moment:
- And before you say that the label is "widely used by reliable sources to describe the subject," I will quote what TFD said above in references to referring to Hitler, bin Laden, etc. as "murderers" and ask you to respond: "In fact, rs do refer to them as murderers but most don't, just a most rs don't refer to RFK Jr. as a conspiracy theorist." HappyWanderer15 (talk) 10:14, 4 June 2024 (UTC)
- WP:NPOV (specifically WP:IMPARTIAL) and WP:BLP (specifically WP:BLPSTYLE) are relevant policies here. See also WP:MOS (especially MOS:LABEL). This sounds like the crux of what TFD is referring to: "Value-laden labels – such as calling an organization a cult, an individual a racist, sexist, terrorist, or freedom fighter, or a sexual practice a perversion – may express contentious opinion and are best avoided unless widely used by reliable sources to describe the subject, in which case use in-text attribution." HappyWanderer15 (talk) 10:12, 4 June 2024 (UTC)
- I do not need pings, I have a watchlist. And "the article X handles a different thing differently from how this article handles this thing" is not a "policy concern". --Hob Gadling (talk) 04:17, 4 June 2024 (UTC)
- @Hob Gadling: "I'm not interested" and "that's enough" are hardly serious responses to the policy concerns raised by @TFD - you might as well just say "I just don't like it." An article does not need to constantly use value-laden language to plainly express facts about Kennedy's positions on vaccines, etc. HappyWanderer15 (talk) 14:05, 3 June 2024 (UTC)
- I am not interested in your literary comparison attempts. Articles are different when their subjects are different, that's enough. --Hob Gadling (talk) 13:22, 2 June 2024 (UTC)
- This was written by AI. Was it ChatGPT or a different program? – Muboshgu (talk) 23:02, 1 June 2024 (UTC)
- You spent a lot of words to (again) yell "It's biased!" Zaathras (talk) 12:46, 1 June 2024 (UTC)
- So what you're saying is that you (Gadling) are biased against RFK Jr. You mention the measles thing, but surely it's a bit more complex than you state. JoshMcCullough (talk) 18:48, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Read WP:FRINGE, WP:YESBIAS, WP:YWAB, WP:LUNATICS. --Hob Gadling (talk) 06:31, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
Requesting immediate archiving... – Muboshgu (talk) 19:19, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
Extended-confirmed-protected edit request on 21 June 2024
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The first sentence in this page refers to Kennedy as an “anti-vaccine activist” which is a simplification that I believe has misled many people on his beliefs and hurt his campaign recently. Kennedy supports the established vaccines, like for mumps and tetanus for example. He only wanted a little more research on the COVID vaccine. The phrase “anti-vaccine advocate” makes it seem like he is against many vaccines, and that it is a major part of his platform, but it’s not, and does not need to be mentioned in the first sentence or any phrased this way. So, what I am asking if that that phrase be removed. 24.171.1.89 (talk) 15:08, 21 June 2024 (UTC)
Not done: He has made false statements about the efficacy of the measles and tetanus vaccines too, actually. It is his platform. – Muboshgu (talk) 15:57, 21 June 2024 (UTC)
- You are clearly biased, should you recuse yourself from managing this article? Why would someone be labeled "any-vax" for questioning "official" numbers regarding efficacy of a drug? We should question everything, right? JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:14, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
Kennedy Is Not An "Anti-Vaxer" Nor a Conspiracy Theorist
Advise why he is labeled as an "Anti-Vaxer" and conspiracy theorist. 216.201.233.62 (talk) 17:17, 21 June 2024 (UTC)
- Because he is. – Muboshgu (talk) 17:20, 21 June 2024 (UTC)
- See "Frequently asked questions" at the top of this page. Jonatan Svensson Glad (talk) 22:30, 21 June 2024 (UTC)
- It sounds like those in power here are quite happy to leave these value-laden terms in place, even though they clearly paint a picture of bias. It has been spelled out clearly all over this talk page, but they seem to be too arrogant to admit it and actually change the article -- or their actual goal is to paint RFK Jr. in a negative light in order to sway people not to vote for him (e.g. election tampering).
- I guess my teachers in college were right, Wikipedia shouldn't be used as a source for information. JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:16, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Agreed. The one-sided bullies on RFK, jr's page (today especially) exemplify why WP can never be used as a valid source of information. Taram (talk) 23:39, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Agreed. I believe wholeheartedly that his skepticism needs to be clearly mentioned in this article, as it is important for voters to know about. The first half of this article calls him a conspiracy theorist multiple times. This description is clearly biased or uneducated as to his actual stances.
- Put what he actually believes in as a part of the article, and allow readers to assign their own labels to him. 216.237.237.209 (talk) 13:28, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- Read the FAQ. --Hob Gadling (talk) 15:11, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- I agree with this comment. This Wikipedia description of RFK Jr. is not true. Listen to a long form interview of him discussing his stance with vaccines and why he is skeptical about his uncle’s and father’s murders, he has very rational and unbiased thinking. He is NOT anti-vax. He is NOTa conspiracy theorist. This needs to be fact checked ASAP! 2600:6C40:7D00:670A:FC75:6626:886F:84ED (talk) 17:57, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- Read the FAQ. It is irrelevant that he has succeeded to fool you. We follow reliable sources. --Hob Gadling (talk) 19:01, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- Wow bringing up the JFK and RFK assassination conspiracy theories to claim that RFK Jr isn't a conspiracy theorist? – Muboshgu (talk) 19:15, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
- Read the FAQ. It is irrelevant that he has succeeded to fool you. We follow reliable sources. --Hob Gadling (talk) 19:01, 13 July 2024 (UTC)
Extended-confirmed-protected edit request on 28 June 2024
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I request that wikipedia add in nuance and 'other points of view' about RFK JR's stances, and not just blatantly say that he is a conspiracy theorist. He has also never called himself anti-vax, but rather pro-vaccine safety. A lot of the news agencies and organizations that claim RFK JR are this things, are funded by the pharmaceutical industry (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1440632/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-to-consumer_advertising#:~:text=Under%20the%20Medicines%20Act%20of,consumer%20advertising%20of%20prescription%20medications.)
A large number of people believe that he should not be ostracized by bringing up certain facts that are often swept under the rug with the pretense that he is just crazy, when a lot of his points are true: 1) we are the only country on earth besides New Zealand that legally allows the pharmaceutical industry to advertise direct to consumer, because then they can control the narrative of the media, which they have done to assassinate RFK's character over the last several years. 2) Many of the public health agencies (CDC, FDA, NIH, etc.) are funded by the exact same regulatory agencies that are supposed to regulate them (with revolving doors between executives at these pharma companies and positions in the regulatory agencies), creating a clear conflict of interest that illustrates the corrupt merger between state and corporate power (https://www.pogo.org/investigations/fda-depends-on-industry-funding-money-comes-with-strings-attached#:~:text=This%20arrangement%20gives%20the%20pharmaceutical,form%20of%20higher%20drug%20prices.). 3) The fact that these same pharmaceutical companies have paid an absurd and quite frankly disheartening amount of criminal fines in the tens of billions (https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/industry/pharmaceuticals) for deceptive marketing practices, falsifying data, hurting patients, but yet, these same pharmaceutical companies have complete immunity from liability for vaccines. If they are all so safe and effective, why do they need unlimited immunity from liability. The argument according to NIH is that "A manufacturer is not liable for harm caused by a nondefective product due to its inherent or unavoidable dangerousness" (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216813/) But yet, to question if big pharma is doing enough to make their vaccines safe, the same companies that have paid billions of dollars in criminal fines for making unsafe products for money at the expense of consumers, when they have absolutely zero liability for any damages, should make it appropriate that some questions be raised. But yet, to do so makes you an "anti-vaxer", even though, again, NIH's own reasoning is that they are "inherent or unavoidably dangerous".
These are just a few of the many real arguments as to why there is more nuance in this "conspiracy Theory" "Anti-Vax" label that wikipedia has simply stuck onto Kennedy, a presidential nominee. It appears bias and 100% in line with the mainstream media narrative. If I understand, Wikipedia is information for the people by the people, and the nuance of Kennedy's arguments about our system of public health should be acknowledged. 2600:1700:2DFB:EC10:C154:1F4F:AB3:DA84 (talk) 14:06, 28 June 2024 (UTC)
Not done: Read the FAQ. ser! (chat to me - see my edits) 14:17, 28 June 2024 (UTC)
- Your FAQ itself is biased. Where's the FAQ for the FAQ? Stop writing this off as a non-issue, it's a big issue. JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:17, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
Regarding "sexual assault allegations"
The text "While he did not deny the encounters with Cooney" is misleading. He did not _confirm or deny_ the allegations. Also, starting this sentence with "while" makes it sound like "he didn't deny it but .... ya know". As if he confirmed it in the second half of the sentence. JoshMcCullough (talk) 17:49, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Reworded and shortened. Firefangledfeathers (talk / contribs) 17:59, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- This edit appears to be more even to me, thanks. JoshMcCullough (talk) 19:18, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- It is fascinating to watch how quickly somebody reverts the page when something as simple as grammar is corrected. Taram (talk) 18:11, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- You didn't correct the grammar. Kennedy doesn't spread information, he spreads misinformation. The type of misinformation he spreads is anti-vaccine misinformation. It's a term used by hundreds of scholarly sources and news articles without any apparent confusion. Firefangledfeathers (talk / contribs) 18:20, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
Reference to Vanity Fair article
The reference to the July 2024 Vanity Fair article is questionable given that the article has already been proven to be partial fabricated. For instance, VF claims that Kennedy is eating a dog, when it's actually cabrito, a cuisine made of goat. This brings into question whether the other points in the article have any merit. JoshMcCullough (talk) 17:50, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Has the article been called into question do we have a source for this? WP:VANITYFAIR. Moxy🍁 23:44, 3 July 2024 (UTC)
- Claiming that because one item was misconstrued means the entire article has to be tossed is the basest of logical fallacies. Be better. Zaathras (talk) 01:57, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
- Zaathras, to which logical fallacy are you referring and what to what invalid point Taram (talk) 21:29, 4 July 2024 (UTC)
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