We've all heard the old adage “actions
speak louder than words.” However, words are usually the
jumping-off point for subsequent action. Actually, words are the
foundation for our actions and the actions of others.
Words propagate knowledge (in addition
to action). Knowledge, derived from the spoken or written word can
either be based on truth, half-truths, and of course, lies.
What is dishonesty? What is the purpose
of it? In short, dishonesty is a shortcut; a means to effect a
desired result, based off outright lies, deception, or willful
non-disclosure of information needed to gain a full perspective.
Dishonesty is a means of control. Dishonesty is also a means to avoid
an undesirable consequence, or to hide motives. Dishonesty, then,
gives way to ignorance.
All elementary, right? Apart from being
an elementary, honesty and dishonesty are fundamental parts of our
lives. Logic is a tool that helps us differentiate between the two,
if we choose to use it. Both dishonesty and honesty can cause two
brothers to fight, or to draw them closer together. A mother can use
honesty or dishonesty to comfort or “protect” a young child, or
cause the child to be frightful. The problem with dishonesty, though,
is that the truth usually surfaces at some point, causing inevitable
issues between the two parties or desired goal. We, as ego-filled
individuals, hate to be proven wrong due to our ignorance of a
particular topic or situation. If we are lucky enough to realize our
ignorance, thanks to our little friend called logic, we come
to a crossroads; do we change course on a particular stance or action
when proven wrong/inaccurate, or do we shun truth to “protect”
our own selfish and egotistical selves? Those who choose the latter
will go to great lengths to keep up the appearance of being “right”
or justified in their position. They will compromise their personal
ideals to “protect” the narrative, if not ultimately themselves.
Godwin's law usually prevails if we aren't flexible enough for the
mental gymnastics needed to “prove” our ignorant position.
Perpetual ignorance, born from
dishonesty, is equivalent to dealing with a crappy building
foundation that was never based on quality design or
materials. The problems related to the foundation will materialize in
the building- costing much more to maintain or repair the building
than it would if the foundation was constructed correctly in
the first place.
Upon reading the title of this article,
you probably expected a negative rant about the “progressive”
brand name of politics that emerged in our country over one hundred
years ago. Make no mistake! The label “progressive” is in fact a
brand name. It might be safe to say that almost all of us want
to “progress” in our daily lives and want to see the rest of the
world “progress” on the micro/macro level. One's definition of
“progress” will be different than another's. In spirit of that
fact, the specific goals and needs will be different to achieve said
progress, which may or may not align with that of the “progressive”
political party. The same could be said with the term “conservative.”
Both “progressive” and
“conservative” terms in today's political context are based on
dishonesty, designed to divide and compartmentalize potential
constituents.
Instead of relying on the core
definitions of what “progressive” or “conservative” means, we
allow dishonest, agenda-driven media outlets and politicians (that
are anything but) tell us what these terms mean. Not only that, the
proponents also tell us why we should slap ourselves/neighbors with
these unspecific and skewed buzzword bumper-stickers.
In our carnal nature, whether you
believe we're “fallen sinful creatures” in a biblical sense, or
not-very-evolved primate derivatives that walked out of the jungle,
we have a thirst for conflict. I truly believe conflict and
competition is catnip for humans. Doesn't matter if we're referring
to sports or gaining the attention of the opposite sex (or same sex,
of course). In the same manner, the political arena has been
relegated (or designed) to be a made-for-TV sports game. A
never-ending “us against them” bout, where the players and
spectators incessantly one-up each other for a perceived level of
“gain.”
Unfortunately for the American people,
the political “game” has real consequences attached to it, and
for many....it gets pretty personal. This is where truth goes out the
window. This is where people will perform the above mentioned mental
gymnastics to remain “right” at all costs. This is where Godwin's
law prevails......... This is where every logical fallacy defined in
the dictionary will get traded between the players, commentators and
crowd. This is where the “referees” get hanged.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
Want to be a true “progressive” in
your life and in the lives of others? Only you can define personal or
widescale “progress.” However, whatever your goals may be, make
sure they're rooted firmly on the bedrock of truth. You'll thank
yourself later, and so will your neighbors. Unless, of course, you've
already called them a Nazi, fascist, troglodyte, rethuglican,
democrap, or any other hollow blanket term you saw on a chat board.