Through which media? Reading a book might just show more sides to an argument.
Who said anything about 'media' ? I said : "I also try to pay attention to what is happening around me."
I'm reminded of how when once confronted by a ranting intellectual trot from the SWP, I pointed out to him that I had learnt my politics from reading my payslips, not by going down to the library and reading books.
There are other ways of gaining knowledge apart from reading books. Including real life experiences, and talking to real life people. I have also attended many meetings which have included many debates and discussions, and have heard many public speakers. Plus I have known people whom I consider to have been great teachers to me, amongst them was my one time political mentor and UCATT regional organiser. And yes, as I have already pointed out, I do read news items, articles, pamphlets, etc.
I am not seeking answers to political riddles and conundrums - I went on my journey of discovery many years ago. And I feel fully satisfied with the conclusions which I came to. As I have mentioned on a previous thread, I believe that the tools which I learnt to use, have enabled me to analyse many issues and think freely for myself - politics really isn't that complex.
I am sure that Andrew Cockburn is an excellent author who has done a great deal of research on the wide and varied topics which he covers in his various books. However, I do not feel a I need to read a book in which he outlines his own conclusions, before I can come to mine. After all he didn't need to read a book written by me, before coming to his conclusions.
I don't enjoy reading books, but I don't believe my views are any less valid because of that fact. Indeed seven, I would suggest that you are a 'supercilious tw4t' if you feel that those who don't read books, somehow don't understand all the arguments. Presumably you feel the 800 million people in the World (which is the majority living in poverty) who are illiterate, have no right to any sort of political opinion at all.
btw, I have no problem whatsoever in 'realising that I'm just one of the sheep'. I simply insist on the right of choosing my own shepherd.