I came across a quote yesterday: “Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally it is accepted as being patently obvious.” —Arthur Schopenhauer, German Philosopher (1788-1860). That quote was somewhat reassuring to me in two ways, namely: things I believe to be true may still be in one of the first two stages, and secondly, this problem existed before the Internet and corporate media. We have always been influenced more by our emotions than facts. If the truth conflicts with somebody’s way of life or their perception of reality, then you are going to get a fight. The third stage fits with another human quality—being part of the group. So once the momentum shifts, it shifts quickly.
Although it is reassuring that we are not in uncharted territory, I’m still more than a little concerned about corporate media controlling our information, since there is something unique about the truth. For instance, without knowing the truth, your actions may bring about the exact opposite of the thing you are trying to achieve. And when it comes to things involving nature, well, nature doesn’t care at all what we think about it. It will do what it will do, and we can only listen to it.
Being at the mercy of corporate media is definitely unsettling; however, it is encouraging that there is more than one side to the discussion. I would be really freaked out, and more than a little suspicious, if all the media outlets said the same thing. Having opposing views enables us to get a check on our news feed and observe events from a different perspective. But I could do without the part of being mean, nasty, and dehumanizing to one another.
Ironically, my perception of the need for truth involves two Harry Trumans. Harry Randall Truman became famous for refusing to evacuate before Mount Saint Helens erupted, and was buried in the largest landslide in recorded history. In March 1941, then Senator Harry S. Truman launched the “Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program,” which investigated wartime fraud on defense contracts. The committee achieved bipartisan support, unanimous votes, and the admiration of the public. He would often address his committee, “There is no substitute for facts.”
—Joe Criscione, President
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