 By David Kersten
In case certain folks have gotten so used to not being able to think for themselves and simply accepting what powerful special interest forces would all like us to all believe, I wanted to clarify that indeed facts still matter in our society. One thing I learned from politics is that if you are allowed to present the truth of the matter on both sides, as best as each side can, the stronger case will gain ground and eventually win out, albeit it may take a while. That's why the losing side often fights so hard to stomp out the opinions and insights of the side with the stronger case--because they know they will lose if there is a fair airing of the facts of the matter. Our nation, from our forefathers, was founded on the principle that a vibrant debate on ideas is healthy and essential to democracy. Needless to say, this did not include a bill of rights that protects censorship and the right to threaten and attack anyone with impunity, in fact, our constitution says quite the opposite. So if diversity, inclusion, and tolerance of various creeds and colors, why does this principle not apply to ideas? or only to certain ideas and certain people? The truth is that facts matter, and ideas are the most powerful force in this universe. True ideas, backed up by facts and evidence, voiced by a single individual, or a small group of individuals, over time, have the power to push back entire armies and topple even the most authoritative and powerful regimes. History has taught us this. So please, during these turbulent times, take great care to actually think for yourself and challenge the popular beliefs that are being forced upon us right now. And please forgive me if I'm not upset about what is going on in the exact way that I'm told I should be upset. Moreover, if I'm not upset by something that has been manufactured to achieve a certain political end, no matter how unaware most people are to this, don't hold that against me, that is my right as an American who still lives in what is supposed to be a "free" country. Don't be afraid to think for yourself, rather push back on ideas that are wrong and not based on the facts, even if it's not convenient, popular, or goes against what may appear to be the "majority opinion." One of the key reasons we even have the U.S. Constitution is to protect the "minority opinion," as envisioned by our founders such as James Madison. One of the worst offenses that can be committed is forcing someone to think in a certain way, yet there is a growing contingent in this nation who say that is exactly what needs to be done to prevent dissent and help them achieve power through whatever means possible. If this offends you, you are welcome to voice your opinion in a respectful and honest fashion, but please no personal attacks in lieu of actual arguments pertinent to the matter at hand. And if you have nothing relevant to say, just keep quiet. Thanks for listening. |
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