We’ve always had a problem with something called the truth. I say “something called” because it’s always been possible to twist and turn facts and debate what is true on some levels. But in the last decade we’ve turned what could at some points in history been reasonably called an accepted truth into a discarded relic of rumination and ruination. And we’re watching the ruin of quite a few nations because of it.
The above graphic is cribbed from one of friend Michael Markham’s social media feeds. I believe it to be true. As far as it goes.
But I think we’ve gone farther than any of us would like to actually believe. The concept of truth in public discourse has become a thoroughly devalued commodity. Yet we continue to trade in it while ignoring its decline. It’s a kid’s game gone awry, played by adults who all know better, but somehow think the spectators can’t see what’s up. Or rather don’t care.
Those who chronicle these things are just as mired in the mess as those they chronicle. I’m not sure what pisses me off most. I can stomach when someone lies or misrepresents the facts for some gain. However, the bile becomes overwhelming when those who know better regurgitate it without consequence like a herd of cattle chewing cud.
At the end of the day, they’re all standing in their own shit waiting to be fed.
This comes at a time when I’m helping my daughter out with the grandkids while my son-in-law is away for work, and we’re all in the mode of teaching consequences.
Watching the larger stage where those who know better act like toddlers developing and endlessly spinning out lies when things go amiss, it’s the same game. The instincts are the same. They always have been.
The only difference is my grandkids don’t yet have the excuse of falling back on priors.
Truth is expensive. It can’t set you free if lying costs so little.
You can also find more of my writings on a variety of topics on Medium at this link, including in the publications Ellemeno and Rome. I can also be found on social media under my name as above. This site does not use affilate links.
Life on the Wicked Stage: Act 3 