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 (power seekers) 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 (interest groups or entities). 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, me, him or her? 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 (voters), and this approach has been proven to be insidiously effective.
It is the reasoning that if a lie is repeated,with a straight face, often enough, it becomes believable; but still not necessarily true.
Team players (campaign staffers) 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”, they say.
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 too many are 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 books; in this case, the rules. However, keep in mind that 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 are not intended to be, or 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”. If your guest is a thief and something is taken, it is more likely that it would be noticed and could be replaceable. What if that guest says something that sounds believable, when in fact it is a lie?. It could ruin a relationship, perhaps forever, if later you learned it was in fact, a lie.
This is why I believe it would 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; when they now hold the lever of power they could weild with impunity.
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; time to “be” curious, time to seek out the truth for your Self!
Photo by Joel de Vriend on unsplash
This post offers a compelling critique of modern politics, and I appreciate the passion behind the argument. The extended metaphor of politics as a game is particularly engaging, highlighting the way political teams prioritize winning over truth or public good. I think your observations about how lies are packaged and sold to voters—often with alarming success—are spot on. It’s a sobering look at how easily people can be manipulated, especially when they blindly support a political party or ideology.
Your tone feels like it comes from a place of frustration, but also a desire for change. The message that fans (voters) need to think for themselves and not be swayed by “alternative truths” is a critical one, especially in today’s media landscape where misinformation spreads so easily. I also really like how you call out the fact that truth has been turned into a flexible concept that can be bent to serve political needs. It speaks to the broader societal problem of truth being diluted, and your post drives home the point that the consequences of this are dangerous.
That being said, I would have liked to see more specific examples or case studies to drive home the argument. Right now, it stays at a fairly general level, which is fine for a reflective piece, but adding concrete instances would make your case even stronger. Your points about lies being repeated until they’re believed and the role of the media in shaping public opinion are solid, but referencing actual political moments or figures might make your message hit harder.
Overall, I think the post effectively makes readers question the nature of politics and the information they consume. It leaves you with the unsettling sense that no one is really telling the truth, and that winning is more important than serving the public. It’s a critical message that deserves attention, and your final call for people to think independently and not be swayed by lies is one that resonates deeply in today’s polarized environment.
Charlie, I appreciate your valuable insights and critique. Thanx.
My attempt in the post is to get people to be curious and question what they are being told. I do not want to spoon feed them with same examples and references already fed to them by the talking heads. I encourage the reader, if it applies, to be curious enough to seek out the truth for themselves; to stop being lazy-minded .
I believe investing the time and effort into searching could leave them with an appreciation not found in readily accepting what may not be the truth or not the whole truth. A simple google search should do.
Love that! Thanks for sharing and writing. Kudos, my friend!
Thanx Charlie. See you soon enough.