More on the Truth

My most recent blog entry focused on my concern for the future of truth in our country. In it, I pointed a finger at President Trump who these days seems to lie most every time he opens his mouth. I suggested because of the position he holds, Trump is a major contributor to the trend that being honest or telling truths is not nearly as important as it used to be. Instead, increasingly people seem to behave as if they have their own truths, thus making it all the more difficult for us to discuss issues since no one seems to agree upon basic facts. Despite the fact he has been President for nearly three years, a sizable portion of the population continues to assume so much of what he says is true simply because he holds the most revered office in our land.

Coincidentally, the same day as my blog the executive editors of The New York Times and The Washington Post were interviewed on NBC's Meet the Press. The topic was the same as what I wrote about in my blog. This does not make me any kind of genius or particularly smart-guy. Rather, it suggests that others share my concern. Those executive editors - Dean Baquet of The New York Times and Martin Baron of The Washington Post - are professional communicators. How well they and their papers adhere to the truth determines their success and credibility. Consequently, they take truth-telling as seriously as anyone.

Reputable media outlets such as the New York Times and Washington Post are not in the business of "spin." They exist to inform and enlighten. Ideally, they make it possible for the rest of us to let loose with our opinions when talking with friends and family. Generally, we base our views on the facts as presented to us by an array of sources, including reputable media outlets. But when the so-called sources such as the President of the United States do not communicate in a reputable way, then it leads to a breakdown in effective and respectful communication. It is going to be interesting to see whether this trend of playing loose with the truth continues in 2020. Hopefully the pendulum will swing in a much healthier direction. Whether it does, of course, is up to all of us.