Truth and Fact Versus Opinion and Your Vote

This post is #1 on my "Reality" Blog. It is added to my other blog titles to discuss a common misunderstanding that beguiles most of us. Shakespeare made the meaning of "Reality" simple although for another purpose when Macbeth questioned "To Be or Not to Be?" in his masterful soliloquy. "Reality" the title of this blog refers to "what is or what is not", not to determine life or not. However, if we collectively and individually avoid acceptance of reality we are unwittingly assuring ourselves of confusion, misunderstandings, and continuous maladjustment to daily life. The question, "What Is?" pertain to Macbeth's question and broadly to "what is or is not truth/fact". Truth and fact eludes us much of the time as we unconsciously or deliberately substitute fiction and opinion for fact and truth. Such fanciful substitutions are acceptable for fairy tales and novels, but cause great harm when applied to serious matters that influence every-day life, human behavior, and governance. Matters of importance cannot be degraded with false and distorting declarations unless one does so to create propaganda instead of resolution. Beliefs cannot replace facts and truth. Nor can truths and facts be distorted to create anything other than opinions that are hollow and devoid of REALITY. Facts and truth are the sole foundation blocks of REALITY. Beliefs have their role, and very significant ones but only to guide what and how we apply truth and facts to guide or morality, purposes, and spiritual leanings. Religious beliefs are not in the realm of facts or truth since the existence of any symbol of a real God remains and will likely forever remain as unproven. Any religious symbol of God is belief based and cannot be treated as fact. Nonetheless spiritual and religious beliefs are often used to guide moral values that encourages empathy and coexistence, both essential for harmonious peaceful life. Despite the essential requirement to analyze and develop solutions to problems based upon facts and truths, modern life tends to favor opinion over truth and facts. Every form of communication from sources controlled by commercial interests is overflowing with opinion and seldom facts or truths. Opinion is plentiful and easily created, and we are bombarded with opinion every waking moment, particularly when the talking heads spew opinions disguised as facts and truth. It is very difficult to sift through all the opinions we are exposed to on TV, radio, news media, or by academia with opinions are often disguised as facts that make rational analyses and problem solving impossible. Unfortunately too many of us are prone to accept opinions as facts when words flow from the mouths of supposedly erudite individuals. Be skeptical and think, analyze, and apply rationality before you accept anything as fact or truth without questioning. This is difficult. It requires you to dig in and review information before accepting it as truthful or factual. Hold your conclusion until you do so long as a rational decision does not cause delay of something requiring immediate action Separation of facts/truth from opinion is particularly important where governance is determined by electing individuals to government office who can be trusted to do what we understand them to promise. Casual decision on who to vote for without understanding their guiding opinions will cause your vote to be meaningless. Too often we accept hollow words to be factual. Everyone must examine the deeds and beliefs of everyone running for elected office before voting. Flowery words laced with hidden opinions that bear no relationship effective governance will get you precisely the situation that afflicts our nation now. A significant number of Congressional Republicans have decided to prevent or delay all legislation proposed or favored by our President. If you are truthful with yourself and listened to myriad bigoted word out of the mouths of Republican members of Congress or silence of agreement you know that Republican obstructionism is based upon blatant bigotry that still prevails in our nation since the Civil War. Such bigotry is driven by ignorance and individual susceptibility to accept hateful opinion as fact. Future blogs under the title "Realty" will describe and discuss specific events and actions that reveal how lies and falsehoods, rather than truth and facts, are used to harm the majority of men, women, and children, citizens of our nation. I will present the lies and distortions and contrast them to facts and truth so that rational decisions are attainable before you vote. I will present facts as facts and truths as truths not as illusory opinions. However I will not hesitate to present my personal opinions and beliefs related to what I consider moral issues as relevant. Please share on Facebook and Twitter and email. Thanks Zalman P. Saperstein zeepsap@gmail.com aka: zeep