As I write this the ugliest U.S. presidential election in my lifetime has less than one week to go. It has been as heartbreaking as it has been maddening. I say that not because of the specific candidates or their stances on various issues. Instead, I speak of the nonstop name calling and lying that have been tossed around as freely as confetti at a wedding. The only good thing coming out of this mess has been job security for fact checkers. Those poor souls have found Hillary Clinton fudges the truth about 25 per cent of the time while Donald Trump tips the scales at nearly 80 per cent. Yes, Trump's record is far worse, but neither figure is good.
Imagine that. With one candidate, about one out of every four statements they make is either false or partially false. With the other, nearly four out of every five of his statements is the opposite of true. Voters may not be as informed as they should, but they certainly seem to have a good sense these candidates for the most powerful position in our country and in the free world are not exactly straight shooters. No wonders voters are so angry. No wonder so many have little enthusiasm for the one they support as well as the political system out of which Clinton and Trump came. Yet here we are. In less than a week one of these people will be president.
Heartbreaking and maddening indeed. What does this reality say about all of us? Do we hold the truth in such low regard? Have we allowed the truth bar to be lowered so low that we do not mind whether the leaders of our major political parties do not follow the basic laws of honesty? Sadly, I already know the answer to those questions. They do not speak of any of us. No-good comes from ongoing dishonesty. It brings out the worst in all caught in its web. Poor communication begets poor communication. It is my wish that voters use this terrible election as a significant teachable moment. Otherwise things will only get worse.
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