The Lies Have It, Or Have They?

The campaigning in our country has become a national disgrace. Political parties are spending millions and millions of dollars to promote their candidate. It would not be so bad if one could believe what they say. Then we could make a well educated decision and go on with life.

But, the lies keep coming. When they come from the opposing side, we scream outrage. When they start coming from our favored party, we pray to God that this is truth. Alas, it is not always. So, what is a common citizen to do?

To begin with, let's not lie to ourselves. Call a spade a spade. We need to let our leaders and the media know how absolutely appalling we find this and promise not to vote for them in the future.

With the death of Alexander Solzhenitsyn earlier this year, I looked up his article "Live Not by Lies." He looked on his country, the Soviet Union, and pondered what could have been done. His advice was for the individual - so I share parts with you.

First, do not participate in lies, even if you may benefit. Renounce lies when faced with them. We are still in a free country. Be courageous and scream the truth if necessary. In our timidity we give credence to lies.

Second, do not speak, write or print any falsehood or even slight distortions of the truth.

Third, do not share any falsehood or half truth in the arts, sciences or academia in general.

Fourth, do not quote out of context in order to leave an untrue impression.

Fifth, walk out of meetings, lectures, performances etc. if the speaker is spreading shameless propaganda.

Sixth, do not subscribe to newspapers or magazines which cannot be trusted to give truth.

So, start today. Start with your family. Try the truth out on your friends. Speak only truth. Listen only to truth. Hold those accountable who deceive you. Make a difference in your world today.