LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Political ‘talking points’ aren’t necessarily the truth
The words and sentences so carefully chosen, spoken with eloquence to gain support of political objectives. These sentences become talking points so everyone is saying and thinking the same. They might be used to criticize or condemn political opponents or to redefine social ideals. Repeating these talking points eventually makes them become the truth. Recall these words: “If you like your doctor, you can keep him,” “We have to pass it to find out what’s in it,” “Repeal or replace Obamacare,” or perhaps “That would be socialism for the rich.” Sometimes the phrases have to be revised to fit changing political views. “Illegal alien” had to be changed to “illegal immigrant” and then to “undocumented immigrant.” Politics in government has changed over the years. Legislation seems to be negotiated rather than debated. Debate to find common ground resolving problems has been replaced with “my way or the highway.” Voting for legislation is strictly by political party lines. Those who vote their conscience instead of party lines often are criticized, requested to resign, or simply outcast by their political party. Instead of finding common solutions politicians have found it easier to simply condemn, punish or replacing the opposition, disregarding the truth. Political speech has become deceptive and false but remains protected by the Constitution. Everyone has the right to ball up their fist and swing it at someone’s nose. They lose that right the instant their fist hits that nose. Therefore, the question should be asked, at what point is the right of speech lost? Politically correct terminology, a term used to describe language, policies, or measures that are intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in society has become the tool used to suppress the truth. Politicians will say anything to gain support or deflect accountability. The unspoken inconvenient truths are irrelevant. If something wrong is repeatedly said or reported in the news media it will become the truth. Political speech has become the means to control the knowledge of the people. After all, what they don’t know won’t hurt them. The use of talking points assures everyone is saying the same thing. They’ve even gone so far as to say the COVID-19 virus can’t be referred to as the Chinese or Wuhan virus. Politics is concerned with the winning and holding control over a government. There’s no mention of doing the right thing unless it furthers their political agenda. Respect is an admiration for someone based on their abilities, qualities or achievements. When there is no honesty there can be no respect. When it is lost by deception or false statements, it can’t be regained. Respect or the lack of respect greatly affects the way people are treated. Whatever happened to truth, freedom and justice for all? Larry W. Kuhns, Darlington, S.C.