I've been dealing with a condition that might be termed falsehood PTSD. It's soul-draining to read the non stop streams of lies, twisted words, and cynical deception that permeates so much of our media culture. It's incredible we have to fact-check articles percolating through social media (or is it rather empowering in some strange, twisted way?). It's tragic we can no longer rely on the fourth estate, so much of which has sold out to corporate profit, to the detriment of far too many fine journalists. I was a reporter once upon a time, and I tasted just enough of the soul-selling to never forget it.
From Silicon Valley's very own
Elizabeth Holmes to the
chief Fyre igniter to the incessant stream of pathological falsehoods coming from certain political offices (no hyperlink necessary there), truth has become a rarefied jewel buried in a jungle of darkness.
It's stressful and nerve-wracking to have to stomach the knowledge you're being lied to from so many angles. Even worse when you're gaslit by people close to you, organizations you trust, or companies whose services you're relying on. (See the third story in this issue, below).
And yet, it's precisely the volume of deceptive content and actions, that makes the truth shine brighter, fiercer, sharper. It strengthens your resolve to find that jewel in the jungle, and hold it high up against the sun so it shines far and wide.
Don't ever forget truth lives on, impermeable by its very nature, despite all of the assaults against it. If you feel something isn't right—and usually it's your gut telling you—trust that instinct. Dig a little deeper—those icebergs aren't very thick, you'll see. See who funded that study you just read. Who got interviewed and who didn't. What words are being twisted to suit whose agenda. When you hit bedrock, you've reached the truth.
My jewel in the darkness is
KPFA. Our nation's oldest listener-sponsored radio, on the air since 1949, operating exclusively on the donations of regular people (including yours truly). Some of the most insightful, objective, and fact-based reporting I've ever heard. Yes it's better than NPR in many respects.
So here's my toast to truth. May it continue to light our way through these challenging times. Like all those investigative reporters, whistleblowers, and others who stand for principle over profit. No matter the cost.
~ Birgitte
