The Truth About Lies

I try very hard to ensure that anything I post on this blog is accurate. Not only that, I try to ensure that it is true. Of course, there is no way to truly verify an opinion, but allow me to explain. When I link to an article that I am using as a fact reference upon which I form my opinion, I usually have looked to make sure that it is reported not only on that particular web page, but also elsewhere, and, if possible, I go to the original source to verify whatever it may be and to place it in context. When I say that President Obama advocates an energy policy that would necessarily cause electricity rates to skyrocket, I don't want you to rely on me, I want you to see him say exactly that. Why do I mention this, you ask? (OK, you probably didn't ask, but really, that's a rhetorical device after all, and you're a jerk for pointing it out.)

I have noticed in the past and continuing, the practice of people supporting their arguments or accusing others of being incorrect by simply taking something completely out of context. This was once the exclusive realm of those in the media and politics but, with the expansion of techniques of communication and social media, it is now far more prevalent among the population at large. It wasn't a good trend before and it certainly isn't a good one now because it presents a difficulty in reaching what matters most : the truth.

We can disagree on what remedy is best for society but we first have to agree on the underlying truth of the problems we are discussing. We can't correctly quote Albert Einstein saying "God doesn't play dice" for the proposition that he believed in God (I'm not sure if he did or not). He was referring to, in conversation with Neils Bohr, the randomness of quantum physics (e.g. Schroedinger's cat). We can't (recent example on a friend's Facebook page) utilize quotes that are without attribution or taken out of context to promote the idea that the founding father's of this country were somehow atheists or deists when they espoused Christian ideals. Specifically the quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson that "I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world, and do not find in our particular superstition (Christianity) one redeeming feature", which the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has been unable to find in any of his writings.

I can admit when I am wrong and abide the opinions of those who I do not agree with on the sole condition that we do not lie and, if we find that we have made a mistake and misrepresented something to be a fact which is not, to simply admit the mistake and step back to reconsider the argument. We will never have the ability to come together in this country if we will not concede those things which are facts (though, going back to the quantum physics angle, there may be no facts, but I digress, I think you get my point).