Getting To The Truth of the Matter

The Real American - Photograph by Joyce Corley

Sometimes the greatest failure of all is the failure to act when action is needed. 
                                                                                                                 - John Wooden


I believe in the freedom of speech just as much as the next logical American.   Something I have repeatedly noticed lately is really bugging me today.  

In our system today truth no longer really matters.  Politicians, so-called media stars (read that as Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, etc.) and citizens in general can say whatever they want to without any documented facts to back up the comments they spew.  The lack of accountability on the part of these individuals is totally left up to the audience members, journalist or the interviewer they are speaking with.  I find that so often no one questions the accuracy or truth of their statements even when they are obviously wrong.  

Often, a good journalist will throw out a few facts or poll results to refute what they are saying but a skilled demagogue will brush right over them and continue with their scripted lies.  I marvel at how one politician in particular paints an untrue picture of President Obama every time he speaks.  He has literally made up a new individual to run against.  Despite fact-checker websites and astute print and TV journalists who do point out the inaccuracies they speak, the audience and the populace eats them up.  They literally devour the untrue concepts even when the policies being promoted by the candidate will bring into effect laws and practices that go against their own best interest.  People are just so happy to hear people saying what they themselves believe or want to hear (or what someone else has told them is true) that they never take the time to investigate or read to find out for themselves if they are telling the truth.  It is unfortunate that we as a people are so lazy and so laid back that we will allow ourselves to be bamboozled into believing anything.  If it sparks our emotions or makes us feel good, we’ll go for it. 

American citizens must be more discriminating in selecting their leaders.  The 'Do-nothing Congress' in place right now is a prime example of what happens when we go with our feelings, whether they be liberal or conservative.  So often the comments I hear from fellow citizens and young people sound like their views or positions are meaningless or powerless up against the tons of money being poured into politics today.  How sad, when in reality they are some of the most powerful and influential voices as long as we still have access to the vote.   I believe elected officials need to represent what is best for their constituents and not just what is best for them and their re-election prospects.  We the people must hold them accountable.

You have the power... If you don't vote, don't complain!