12. "The usage of "credentials" to legitimize or discredit an opinion" In response to Reply # 0
in and of itself is the problem most of the time.
Of course, someone with formal education on a topic, or experience in a certain field, lends some credibility to what they say.
However, the fact that a person doesn't have a doctorate in political science doesn't necessarily make their statement on political affairs irrelevant, similar to how the fact that a former NFL player's opinion of the game isn't always superior to a fan that watches the game with focus.
Unfortunately, the former player always gets the analyst job over the hard working communications guy that has followed sports his entire life. Easier for sports programming directors to legitimize the hire. Same thing happens in news programming, politics, economics, etc.
____ Some will tell you that they love you but they've got an ulterior motive - Oh what a shame They will tell you that they need you but they've got an ulterior motive - Personal gain