A Lesson in Truth I Wish I Could Teach

I cannot count the times I have reintegrated in my American Government class that I taught at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the importance of forming an opinion from a well researched set of facts. As students have heeded my advice, the results have been nothing less than robust, meaningful and reasonable discussion, which has served to enlighten and enhance knowledge of the political process. Seeing this greatly encouraged me. However, it is a lesson I wish I could teach those in politics.

Watching the latest plaques of truth, fiction and opinions engulf the healthcare debate is a perfect example. Seniors are terrified that they will have to face death panels. Those who have are concerned that they will have to pick up the tab for those who have not. Taxpayers are worried that taxes will increase. Those who are insured fear their premiums will go up and those who are uninsured fear even more that they will not be able to afford medical coverage at all if something is not done. It seems everyone has an opinion as to why healthcare should or should not become a national mandate. Granted some opinions are based upon research and the crunching of the numbers. However, unfortunately there also are those opinions that are based upon sheer emotions and are generated by heresy.

Far too often, Americans receive what they believe to be truth in the form of hearsay. Having a law degree, I know the inadmissibility of evidence when it falls under the legal category of hearsay. It’s value even if it is admitted, is lessened because it lacks the credence of supporting itself by being able to be offered to prove the truth of the matter in questioned. Hearsay in a more general sense is based upon what is passed off to others through the grapevine as truth. Yet in politics, we are more than willing to accept that which is not exactly premised upon truth. We even argue opinions vehemently as if they are well sustained by factual proof. This indeed is an impediment to the creation of effective policy and good government, and it is no wonder we are not able to gather the facts, sought out the pros and cons and deliver a good piece of healthcare legislation.

So what do we do about this?

First, we have to return to a commitment to the truth without regard to its impact on our personal beliefs and opinions. Without this kind of commitment, truth that is not in our favor or that runs contra to what we believe and espouse will continue to elude us, and as in the case of the need for healthcare, it will be cause harm and perhaps even death to those under or uninsured.

Second, we have to allow the power of truth to penetrate and break down the wall and barriers that have been erected in the name of partisan politics. Truth is neither republican or democratic, nor does it wear any political party affiliation. Instead, it is what it is – truth. Therefore, it stands alone and needs no confirming body to cause it to be so.

Third, we have to love truth more than we love that which is not true. When we can court that which is true and allow our heart to be fully committed to it, truth builds a lasting relationship within us, which allows our conscious to be a peace with our inner self and with others.

Fourth, we have to believe in the power of truth and its ability to set us free from the chains of falsity and misrepresentations.

If we take these four concepts and employ them within the debate on healthcare, then much of what we are bickering about and fighting over, will vanish or be resolved, as well founded, researched and proven facts take away the need for opinions and allow the credibility of truth to deliver a healthcare bill that is in the best interest of American citizens.