Straight talk

Propaganda and denunciation are not leadership traits.  Likewise, unfounded assertions and assumptions unsupported by facts are not policy.  Euphemisms instead of straight talk is not public discourse.  And character assassination is not debate.  Unfortunately, as the nation wrestles with enormous issues bearing on the average Joe and Jane, these are the tactics and practices of far too many, be they elected officials (both parties), educators, unions, lobbyists, main stream media, talk show hosts, entertainers, businesses, or pundits.

Of great concern to me is the manner in which various entities use these tactics and practices in their attempt to sway public opinion and thereby apply pressure to decision makers.  Or, if a decision maker or in a position of authority, use the tactics and practices to obscure the truth or slant it to suit their own agenda.  It seems that truth, honesty, accuracy, and facts have gone the way of the traditional American family unit, disappearing from the daily scene.

And the average Joe and Jane are expected to make sense of all the competing and conflicting barrage of pseudo-information that fills the airwaves, populates our smart phone, permeates cable TV, and explodes in the various print and on-line "so-called" news outlets.

Of course, those with the prominent platforms and lofty positions use their status to shovel out buckets full of propaganda.  Propaganda is defined by Dictionary.com as "information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc."  (Please note the absent of fact or truth in the definition.)  Half-truths, non-truths, fabrications abound.  The sky is falling, doom is imminent, crisis is at hand.  Yet only those shoveling the propaganda claim to be able to resolve the matter.  If, however, unable to resolve it to their self-defined satisfaction, the next tactic is to denounce anyone who disagrees.  Just as the definition of propaganda refers to "harm," the same source defines denounce as "to condemn or censure openly or publicly."  Sadly, when denouncing doesn't work, the tactics and practices further devolve to character assassination.  Seeking to harm, condemn, and assassinate hardly seem appropriate for public debate.  Certainly these are not the traits of leaders.

Yet, those who self-description includes leader have turned these tactics and practices into the norm, almost as if elevating them to acceptable behavior.  However, the average Joe and Jane can't buy such tripe.  After all, Joe and Jane are ultimately the beneficiaries or victims.  They are then entitled to straight talk, accurate facts, candor without rancor, and substantiation.  


The nation needs and deserves leadership, policy, public discourse, and debate.

Too bad we don't get it from the elected officials (both parties), educators, unions, lobbyists, main stream media, talk show hosts, entertainers, businesses, or pundits.