This is a metaphor (or not) for something that happens by design, not by simple happenstance. It is about what has become the ultimate game in town; politics, and for now, only two teams.
Unique to this game is a sworn oath taken by team leaders to protect and defend the constitution of the united states (the rule book), for the privilege of serving and promoting the general welfare of “all” the people (the goal).
In recent years however, the goal has shifted and rigging the game has become a game within the game itself and both teams are good at it. It is now about, at all cost, winning control of the levers of power and rewarding high stake season tickets holders. It is a shame and a disgrace that what should be a noble endeavor is today a down and dirty game.
You have heard the saying: “All is fair in love and war”. But politics is neither, right? If it is a war, who is the enemy, you? If it is Love, why so much hate?
The weaponizing of words is a tactic used by both teams to capture the imagination of the fans. This approach has been proven to be amazingly effective. Insidiously, it is the reasoning that if a lie is repeated often enough, it becomes believable.
Team players and fans fall for the lie either out of blind and fanatical allegiance (winning at all cost) or being lazy-minded. Thinking is too much work and it is easier to rely on opinions and conclusions pushed by commentators (talking heads) and team leaders. It is the ultimate con job.
“Words are like keys or weapons. We use them alone, in combination or sequence to open minds to capture the imagination of those we try to persuade. Choose your words wisely. Speak the truth”.
Still, because something is believable does not make it true, right? But who cares? It is about winning at all cost and that includes sacrificing the truth.
Ardent fans in the bleachers cheer for their team as they fall for one lie or the other. “I don’t care, truth or lie, win or lose, I’m sticking with my team”.
Winning the game boils down to whose truth is the “real” truth when possibly, neither is. The argument is reduced to something new called, “The alternative Truth (facts)” or shades of Truth. Really? If the truth will set you free, a Lie will imprison you. I am afraid we already imprisoned by confusion, deceit, division and the uncertainty of what is to come.
When team leaders lie and it is believed to be the truth, what becomes of “the” truth? When the truth is disregarded for no reason other than to “take one for the team”, what becomes of the team, the fans, and the game?
What about the opposing team? Do they sacrifice “their” truth for the sake of the game? If they do, it will put them at a disadvantage and neither team wants to lose. Neither team can afford to let down their fans.
Well then, should there be a compromise to settle for a shade of the truth or an alternative? Will the rules and the game have to be changed? Will a new game have to be invented, rules and all? Who will invent this new game and write the new rules, the current winner? How can there be any agreement on any rule when each team have their own version of what is truth?
“The army that wins the war write the rules. However, the good guys don’t always win”.
Doctors give medical advice. Politicians make promises. Have you ever read or heard this quote, “A promise is a comfort to a fool”? Well, too often we are made fools of when we fall for promises based on lies; promises that cannot be kept. But of course, when the promise is artfully wrapped with lies, what else could you expect?
At this point I do not believe there has to be a new game. But during changing times new rule are appropriate. I believe that we, as fans, should pay closer attention to what team leaders and talking heads are saying. Do not allow your imagination to be captured by slogans, clichés, alternative truths, shades of truths or outright lies. Do not allow them to think for you. Think for yourself.
“Better to have a thief over for dinner, than a liar”.
I believe it would also be helpful to listen to those who speak for the opposing team. Pay attention to and think about what they are saying about your team. You will be surprised how the truth becomes clearer and how lies are revealed. Your honesty will be tested.
“We learn things about ourselves from our enemies that we otherwise would not from our friends”.
The rallying cry, “We are all in this together “and that we are all on the same boat is true. What is also true is that if it sinks, we all drown, the teams, team leaders, players, fans(voters) and everyone else. If you do not believe the boat could sink, think again. Winning at all cost could sink it. It would be like the old fashion Duel where both duelers shoot each other and die.
Regardless of which team you cheer for, demand that team leaders speak the truth. Hold them accountable during the game and not at the end when it may be too late.
Wake up people! The protection and defense of the constitution and promoting the general welfare of “all” people is NOT a game. Regardless of which team you support, do not continue to allow yourselves to be played.
Neither is it a war. We are facing a future and a choice. We should choose to be united, more empathetic, respectful, and nonjudgmental toward each other as human beings facing the same reality that every day we live, leaves us one day less to live.
Seek out the truth with a present, open, and independent mind. It exists and is there to be discerned. To ignore or not seek out the truth imprisons you in an alternative reality, an alternative that could only be rationalized with lies against reality itself. God help us all.
“Finding is exclusively reserved for searchers”.
It’s Now O’ Clock. Seek out the truth for yourself!
Photo by Joel de Vriend on unsplash
