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Truth has value. We can build things upon it that will not fall down. Conversely, lies passed off as truths are like quicksand, and whatever’s laid upon them will fall down, eventually. In human affairs that means a cost in terms of lives, and it means mothers grieving for their murdered sons.
It’s hard to avoid the fact the western world is struggling to see its way for a blizzard of lies right now. It falls to each of us to tell the truth, at least as we see it. But how do we know what’s true to begin with? We have a media and a political class that either lies openly and cynically, or is increasingly afraid to tell the truth. And we have an Internet so awash with lies it’s impossible to discern any truth in there at all.
So, just in case, I have cross-referenced three sources for my news this morning – the Washington Post, The Guardian, and the New York Times. All speak of an America on the brink, of massed protest, of a vicious and militarized police, and of a president poised to send his own infantry onto the streets to kill people.
In Europe, we look on aghast, as this ghoulish man struts and preens, and how, with his trademark of lies and bombast, he has brought a powerful country to the edge of anarchy, and so soon. There were some who predicted it, few who believed it could actually happen.
A global pandemic is the worst most of us have seen, and from which we have yet to emerge. What could possibly be worse than that? Well, how about an America on the verge of civil war? An America with its right-wing guns turned on its leftists, and its police forces still killing black people with impunity, and on the slightest pretext? It is an American president pouring gasoline on the flames he lights daily with his incendiary thumbs, and of restraining institutions seemingly crippled, looking on as the edifice of a nations’ honour and integrity crumbles before our eyes. It is flames reflected in the sunglasses of the rock-jawed secret servicemen who surround and protect the office that once provided the leadership of the free world, an office now apparently vacant of principle and honour, and morals.
Black lives matter. It’s shameful we should even have to say it. And for those who would deny it, look around and see what this currency of lies has bought you.
The Rivendale Review 
Well said, Michael. Horrific and scary…
Thanks Steve, I’ve been watching things develop and find it all very disheartening.
I saw two black ladies with a banner on their way home yesterday evening. I wanted to say something in support, but I quickly realised we inhabit different worlds. My tongue cleaved to the top of my mouth.
I do think it is sick though that a society that encourages folk to carry guns invests so little in its police. Police in America need to be the brightest and the best, they need to be well trained and disciplined, but instead they are, sometimes, a complete rabble. I would make a charge not of murder against one or four but of criminal incompetence against the leadership of the country.
I often feel the same. You want to express sympathy and solidarity, but feel hamstrung by the fact you’d need to inhabit that world to truly appreciate the suffering and the anger.
Black life’s matter! We are Equal!