Is That Really True

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.” Wise words from the wonderful old story, Bambi. But can we speak thoughtfully, truthfully, and consider the impact our words may have on another? Too often, much of what is presented in the media is about pointing fingers of blame and shame. Do we have true news reporting anymore?

My understanding is that true news journalism is designed to deliver only facts, not opinions. Negative, inaccurate, opinion-based news reporting has the power to create DIVISION. Division causes CHAOS and then we know that we have given ourselves over to another source of CONTROL. It could be very beneficial to understand that no one should agree with us because we think they should. Each of us has the right to think for ourselves and question authority.

Each of us must travel our own path of life. Maybe it’s time to ask ourselves – is the information I’m assuming is true – really true? Is this the whole story? Or are we listening to the voices of separation? And then if we share it with others, are we perpetuating what may or may not be true or the complete story.

I have encountered conversations laced with “they said” “they are doing “and other non-specific sources, and when I asked for specific names of the “they” often the response has been vague or unknown. There seemed to be an assumption that the shared information was correct and therefore others should believe it as well.

We must always be aware of the validity of what we are following as true and what we are passing on as fact especially in these fragile times. Does our sharing include a possible helpful change or solution? If not, are we just complaining? Before we share information we hear from the media, it’s wise to fact check and do thorough research before we relay the information further. There is fear in some of the information passed along that has no basis for truth. It’s time we ask ourselves – Is what I am about to share with another based on undeniable fact or is it biased reporting from the news media, the internet, newspapers or possibly a rumor?

It may be that finding unbiased fact checking can be a challenge. I googled “Are fact checking sites reliable?” Here is the answer: “Reputable fact-checking sites can be highly reliable for verifying information, though they are not without limitations. Most operate transparently and are signatories of ethical codes, but they can still be affected by human judgment and bias.” Bearing that in mind, it is very helpful to listen closely to opposing sides of the story and trust the power of discernment.

We are here as one family on this earth, which is the human being – in its origin, unencumbered by thoughts of race, religion or political bent. What we pass along in our existence influences the whole of humanity. There is wisdom in first checking in to see if we are sharing with anger and vindictive energy or are we sharing with understanding, compassion, and assuredness that what we share is true.

“When we are no longer laying trips on anyone, no judging or discriminating individual differences, we become the environment in which the optimum growth is available to all human beings we come into contact with.” – Ram Dass