The writer of a recent letter (Journal, Aug. 20) opined: “It is important for Trump followers to understand that he is lying to you.” She listed various subjects about which Trump has allegedly lied. In my humble opinion, many people will agree with her and many others will adamantly disagree.
I have three questions: Do we as citizens have an obligation to seek the truth? Somebody is lying – which side is telling significantly more lies? What are the consequences for our society and country when approximately half the population believes the lies, or pretends to believe the lies and repeats them?
The Bible says: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist …” Ephesians 6:14. There are many other verses expressing the importance of seeking the truth. Seeking the truth requires being vigilant and guarding ourselves against lies and falsehoods.
In civics classes, we were taught that our democratic (small D) form of government operates on the premise that citizens have a civic and moral obligation to seek the truth (the real facts not alternative facts). When decision-making is informed by the truth, people (the voting public, our governmental officials, even our president) make better decisions, which leads to better outcomes for all of us.
When we believe and associate ourselves with liars, we are tarnished in the eyes of our children, other family members and society. If we fail to be vigilant against lies and falsehoods, our country will suffer unimaginably bad consequences.
Bill Stroop
Dolores
