The Official Word

What is it about an "official word" that seems to give one a sense that they are not  being told the entire truth? Perhaps it is because statements of this kind are so measured and carefully crafted that is gives those of us on the receiving end a sense there is information that is not being shared. In many ways, we live in what I label an "instant society." We want what we want and we want it now. No delays. No postponements. No pauses. Give it to us now! Our desire for instant food is a great example. At home we have microwave ovens. Press a few buttons and dinner is served in a manner of seconds. And if we are not in the mood to eat at home, then there are usually plenty of fast food places from which to choose.


The media, in their reporting of news, provides us with an array of experts on most any topic under the sun. The radio and cable talk shows are even better. (Or perhaps worse is a better word.) On a daily basis they bombard us with "talking heads" who spew out tons of opinions and theories of events of the day. Never mind that most of the time these people have little expertise on what they are talking about and, consequently, are wrong far more than they are right. Their main talent seems to be an ability to spout an opinion in a way that sounds definitive and insightful when in fact it usually little else but loud and narrow.


It is our culture of wanting everything instantly that contributes to the skepticism we often feel regarding the "official word." Thus, perhaps the biggest fault with the "official word" is that it goes against our own mindset that we and our primary sources of information support. There is an old saying that refers to one "looking before they leap." Such action was consider to be wise. The "official word," generally represents an attempt to think before one speaks. This is not a bad thing by any stretch even it does test our patience.