When I say orchestrating, let’s look at the shredding situation. It all started BEFORE the election with accusations of wrongdoing by candidates who went on to win. Then their online support team started saying, “just wait and see what we have”, indicating proof of guilt was imminent. This went on for MONTHS then eventually, the Council made an announcement setting the date that they would discuss this publicly. Media was notified and the anticipation was built up. Then, during the big announcement, there was nothing to actually share except more accusations.

With the buildup, those wanting to believe were already hooked. I am constantly asked why people tend to believe lies, even when there are plenty of people supporting another view or position. This is usually asked about the many political lies here in recent years.

 

I actually researched this. One scholar said “Humans have an unlimited capacity to shape their reality to their perceived self interest.”

What is that self interest? Honestly in local politics it seems to be Money, Friends, Recognition and for some… Control.

He went on to say, “What humans seek is self worth, affirmation and security. “

 

Most humans acquire those things through their accomplishments, possessions, and control of circumstances. The biggest problem is that many people do not think they have these things in the amounts they think is necessary. So, they fill that void with a new truth, one they create.

Add in complex human emotions like guilt, inadequacy and anxiety and you have the perfect target for manipulation.

He went on to say, “ We know the internal coping mechanisms for those emotions are to Justify, rationalize and even blame.

Finally, as adults we avoid experiencing a feeling of guilt at all cost, so if we have told an untruth to make ourselves seem wiser, more “in the know”, then we, need to do something with that lie we have believed. (Personally, I would admit believing the lie, correct it and move on. )

Rationalizing their belief is one way: They proclaim, “What I said was actually true.” No one wants to say, “I have believed a lie and I am foolish for doing so.”

 

In the case of children, it is often easy to coerce the truth or at least the admittance of the lie because they fear losing a privilege or possession. However, with adults (many retired) that have no fear of tangible negative consequences the only thing they fear is judgement.

If a lie is exposed, judgement is dealt. But, if you can have that lie believed by many at once, that judgement never comes. After all, everyone in the group of people affected believed and spread the lie, so nobody dare explore and find the truth.

It’s that complicated and it is that simple all at once.

Have I been lied to by those I trust politically? No, I do not believe so. However, I do not fear using analytical skills, observations and even a touch of doubt to examine the truths I have been told.

 

Those engaged in the big lies simply repeat “it’s true”. They heard it, they repeated it, so it must be true and for them, it ends there.

There are two massive political lies that I believe people were targeted with recently. One is the shredding emails situation mentioned above, the other is the situation involving a high ranking staff member at town hall and a subordinate under his supervision. I don’t know all of the details, very few do. The details of who did what and how it was officially dealt with will likely never be known publicly (and rightfully so). For the purposes of this discussion that fact doesn’t matter. The reality is that if a more horrendous version of this story COULD be marketed, it could truly damage political leaders. (And it did) The initial lie was exaggerated with protests at Town Hall. Signs that said “No means No” painted the picture that those orchestrating the lie wanted. The tactics were the lowest of low, but that need to fill a void led people to believe the worst.

 

As someone examining for the truth, I found myself asking why the Police were not involved if “that” version was to be believed. Although there was no mention of Police involvement, there certainly was a media storm. Those who orchestrated it could now claim victory despite the damage done to many lives.

 

One of these two big lies helped win an election and the other seems to be targeting the next election cycle in its scope.

But these are just two examples. Daily, there are people scouring Facebook posts hoping to isolate a few words out of a sentence to misrepresent the true intent of what was being discussed. For the most part… nobody seems to care about digging for true facts.

What I hope happens is all people involved in believing and doubting start to ask questions. It is imperative with the coming decisions of our Council.

 

When Brian Smith tried to sell WDI, he was defeated. The “lie” came after the fact, when he and his five followers at the time read their prepared statements, creating the lie that it was never for sale.

As new lies are being perpetuated, question the motivation, question the lack of detail. Ask the FULL story instead of relying on an isolated fact or quote.

 

Those who have believed those spreading all of the lies these last few years are now (in their minds) justified in believing whatever they hear and maybe filling that void we spoke of earlier by adding to the lie and making it even worse.

I fear that the end of this local practice of manipulation will all unfold one day and those perpetuating the worst of the lies will simply fade away and those harmed will not fully recover. That is the sad reality of slander and libel.

To me it is sad when some claim victory, simply because they do a better job of lying than those telling the truth do of sharing their story. I do not think they win in the long run. One by one the worst of the lies will fall apart and when that happens, those who helped the lies live on will find their hearts quietly filled with shame and guilt. These emotions will pass and hopefully a few more champions of truth will emerge.

It was Winston Churchill who said, “A lie gets half way around the world before the truth gets its pants on. “

Sad, but true.

 

Please discuss the various things you believe to be lies. I’m sure the list can grow rapidly.

Tomorrow, we can discuss how our Council appears to prevent getting caught lying or cheating while conducting meetings to decide on some of the most sensitive issues in our town.