Alan’s TTIM Stories #10

The big lie is associated with the 2020 Presidential Election. The false accusation of the stolen election is not biggest lie. The biggest lie is that government is solely responsible for your lot in life – all your troubles or all your successes. It is not.

Both deceptive politicians and gullible morons are responsible for the biggest lie. Campaigns are full of promises beyond possibilities and undeserved blame. I am the solution to all your problems and my opponent is the cause of all your problems. Neither is true.

“….making you afraid of it and telling you who’s to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections.”  The American President – 1995

Securing the high ground of personal responsibility emerges – claimed by all, deserved by none. Government provides beneficial services. Here’s the epiphany – you still have responsibilities.

• Scholarships – you have to attend class and take the tests
• Affordable health care – you have to eat right, exercise, and visit your doctor
• Social Security – you contribute throughout your career
• Roads and highways – don’t drink or text and drive
• The economy – you have to show up and do the work
• Your tendency to be a jerk – can you really blame the government?

“But there is a paradox here. While vilifying their government in response to some questions, Americans tell pollsters in response to other questions that they appreciate many of the services the government provides.”

U.S. Public opinion and the Role of Government – by Frank Newport, news.gallup.com

That is not to belittle the effects of government, positive and negative, on our lives. Realize a totalitarian government is capable of destruction of personal freedoms, a negative effect of  government overreach. In our aspiration for a more perfect union, we must support candidates who champion the people and not the unworthy attempt to hold on to personal power at the cost of democracy.  

One of the lesser lies involves catering to the rich in the empty promise that you will soon join their numbers. Statically – you won’t (and neither will I). A satisfying and fulfilling life is available to most for those interested in putting in the work and eradicating envy, jealousy, and undeserved blame. Start by concentrating on what you can give, not what you are not getting.

One truth is the importance of elections. Please judge candidates by:

• Their record of public service*
• Their list of priorities
• Inclusivity of policies, staffing, and agenda
• If her/his morals match yours
• Seeing is believing – not anymore. Artificial Intelligence challenges our intelligence to question everything.

The America I love is free, tolerant, giving – to the benefit of all. It is a dream unfulfilled as we dangerously fall into a world promoting hate. Don’t believe all the hype and misinformation. Support the right and opportunity for every citizen to vote. Do your research. Be sure to vote.

*Even a person running for office for the first time has a history of supporting causes and championing nonprofit organizations.

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Follow Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author or www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer are found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.