"Alternative Facts"

There mere using of the phrase "alternative facts" should send chills up and down the backs of any one who even claims to value the truth. Yet there was President Trump's primary spokesperson, Kellyanne Conway, on NBC's Meet the Press" introducing it as a way to explain the administration's claim that more people attended the inauguration ceremony then was reported by the national press. Does she and those she represents, including the 45th president, truly believe whatever they say is "the truth" and anything contrary to that is false? Even more to the point, how can there even be such thing as an "alternative fact" in the first place?

Facts may be a lot of things, including inconvenient, beyond comprehensive or even controversial, but what makes them what they are is their being locked-in or set-in-stone. One plus one equals two. That is a fact. Until one comes along to successfully challenge or prove it is not the case, there is no arguing or disputing it. Yet "alternative fact" suggests there is. It suggests that, actually, one plus one can add up to two and a half or some other number. Facts are the basis around which decisions and choices by all of us are based. If that is no longer the case, then what is left is chaos of the mind and chaotic behavior. Further, it feeds into the notion that "might does make right."

Successful communication among people and within society is based on the premise that truth - facts - serve as the bedrock for all meaningful interaction. Yes, people have their interpretations of what is true and perspectives on how the truth should be handled or processed. But those interpretations and perspectives are based on ultimate and universally-accepted truths. If we, including those in power, begin turning away from facts, then all of us are about to fall down a black hole from which we may never climb. This cannot be allowed to happen. Facts should be beyond debate. They are far too vital for our survival.