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Wednesday 14 December 2016

The facts

We prepare for Christmas as we have every year, but our North American part of the world has changed. In the recent past, we searched for the truth. Just give us the facts, please. We relied on the facts; we could handle the truth. 

Not so any more. Lies fill the television, internet and social media. Prominent people will outright lie and say whatever suits them, deny comments they've previously made and ignore questions about them. "News" stories which are entirely fabricated, are believed by millions of people. Factual information is inconsequential.

Years ago, I worked in a high school when a famous man denied having sexual relations with a certain woman. When the truth came out, I noticed a shift in attitude about sexual behaviour among those young people and not for the better. If he does it...

Today, many parents, as always, endeavour to teach their children to speak the truth. How do we teach them now when a part of society will not reinforce those beliefs and certain leaders have a nodding acquaintance with the truth, if that? What value does truth have any more when all around us lies are passed as fact, news is fabricated, and many people are all right with it?

As we search for a way through the next number of years, I expect another shift in attitude as our youth deal with the ways of the new world order as well. This latest development will require much guidance and discernment for all of us.

 

God bless us everyone.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I "hear" you! Andrea

Elephant's Child said...

Knowing you are right, I wish that you were not. Bad lessons seem to be learned MUCH more quickly and easily. On the crisis lines on this side of the world a caller launched into a tirade of abuse - because if the President of the Free World can do it, I can too.
All we can do is our best.
Hugs.

Celia said...

Sadly I agree. It's quite a challenge pass on morals and manners to our young ones. Got four grands in high school who come home with stories of behavior in and out of class that I find appalling. I don't think they are participating but you never know do you?

Marie Smith said...

Everyone needs to listen these days, Andrea.

Marie Smith said...

And be diligent, EC.

Marie Smith said...

We'll do our best to be diligent, Celia.

Silver in AZ said...

Excellent point, Marie. We are teaching kids it's okay to lie (and to bully.)

Tabor said...

I wonder the same when I see what is on television and some folks say...just smack talk, not really meaning what was said, you just misunderstood. It is an alt-truth period.

DJan said...

You are so, so right, Marie. I am halfway through a documentary called "(Dis)Honesty" and am learning how it comes about in our psyche to lie. Fascinating. It's available on Netflix and I highly recommend it.

Anvilcloud said...

Yes, it seems like the truth no longer sets us free. It's like it is a hindrance.

Anonymous said...

Truly worrisome times. But if history teaches us anything its that the pendulum always swings back.

Marie Smith said...

Our children learn from us and the society around them. Our efforts to teach them have become more difficult, I fear.

Marie Smith said...

I dislike it when people turn the problem back on the one who points it out, like saying "you misunderstood." It's our fault for mis-hearing what was said. What a terrible thing to teach our children! We have to teach them to search for and value the truth!

Marie Smith said...

I will look for it, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

The truth today, it seems, is whatever one believes!

Marie Smith said...

I hope so, SS. The problem is there can be untold tragedies and disasters in the meantime, if gullible people follow liars and manipulators.

Ginnie Hart said...

Oh my, Marie. I couldn't have possibly said it any better. THANK YOU!

Ginnie said...

Oh, Marie, you are so articulate and have given words to my greatest fears. I am embarrassed and ashamed that our country is right at the top of all you've written. Trump is like the schoolyard bully and will stop at nothing to get back at anyone or thing that has stood up to him. Very frightening ...

The Furry Gnome said...

Very well said. I struggle with knowing how to handle my participation as a citizen in the future. It's hard to sit by and feel helpless. Thanks for speaking out.

Marie Smith said...

I've been thinking about the topics for a while now, Ginnie. It just poured on the page.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Ginnie. We have to help the children to seek the truth. Otherwise, our future will be bleak.

Marie Smith said...

Eventually, after mulling things over for a time, my thoughts pour onto the page. You are welcome.