Columns

Truth is the enemy to many

DONALD J. MYERS, A Mind of
Published: October 27, 2012

How can the truth be any enemy to anyone? Think about that and what it means. So much of our every day life depends on the truth. We expect any product to do what is advertised. We also expect food or medicine to be safe for consumption.

A viable society such as ours or any free society expects the same. Most parents and teachers tell their children to always tell the truth. As a child, I recall the story of George Washington and the cherry tree. That was standard fare for stressing the importance of telling the truth. Sadly, there will be many who read this article and do not know what I mean about Washington and the cherry tree. From small acorns grow giant oak trees.

What is fascinating is that in so many occasions the truth is hidden because of a minor incident that may cause embarrassment or a minor punishment. I recall an incident at Parris Island when I was the regimental commander.

A drill instructor (DI) had been accused of an infraction concerning a recruit. When that happened, the DI would be sent home until an inquiry occurred.

This DI returned the following day and spoke to the recruit. He was again sent home and the next day he returned and threatened the recruit. I had him placed in the brig and charged him with obstruction of justice and assault. What had been a minor infraction that probably would have resulted in a warning at most ended up with the DI being court martialed, reduced in rank, brig time, and ending his career.

The Watergate incident is another example. The republicans broke into the democratic headquarters at night and were caught. A coverup ensued and the president was involved. As a result, President Nixon was forced to resign. What had been an incident involving a small group resulted in the collapse of a presidency because of not telling the truth and covering up the incident.

There are those who have retreated from the election cycle because they say that all politicians are crooked. They can cite example after example of various politicians who lie when it is to their benefit.

Most frequently, these politicians lie about their opponent in the latest election cycle. I do not agree that all politicians are crooked. I pick and choose my politicians and look seriously about the trustworthy and competence factors. I am talking about TRUST. Trust is critical when working with seniors or subordinates and it must go up and down. If there is little trust, there will be little results.

When people are asked about the traits that they most desire in their leaders, the one that always comes in first is honesty. I know that there will be some who immediately say that can not be true because of some of the reprobates that are elected. I wish that I could explain that, but I can't. There are some who are exceptionally good liars and they are able to pull the wool over the eyes of enough people to continue to be elected. In many cases, the majority of the electorate benefit from the largesse of the government supported by their choice.

That works for a while, but as Margaret Thatcher said, Socialism eventually runs out of other people's money. We are now faced with that choice.

We were promised many things during the previous election cycle. The deficit would be cut in half, it has doubled. Unemployment would be reduced, it has increased. The world would love us, I think not. We would not be red or white but rather red, white, and blue. The opposite has happened as old have been pitted against the young, women against men, black against white, rich against poor, Wall Street against Main Street. In each of these, there is very little truth. The lies are common.

My background and the background on millions do not agree with this approach. I want the truth as do most Americans. There is nothing that we are unable to overcome when we are united, and the truth unites us.

I have been in too many critical situations to include combat where the troops or workers confronted near impossible situations and prevailed.

We are a special people who will not be defeated. Today is merely an additional challenge that we will overcome with the proper leadership.

Donald J. Myers, a retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, is a regular columnist for Hernando Today. He lives in Spring Hill and can be contacted at dmyersusmc@aol.com.