Extra! Extra! Read Between the Lies:
Owning a newspaper is like standing between the people and the politicians: the public demands truth, the politicians demand silence, and the paper expects you to print it all—leaving you to juggle ink, outrage, and deadlines. Since purchasing this business in 2015, I've learned a great deal about the intricate dance between news, politics, and society. A recent voicemail brought these lessons into sharp focus. A reader was upset that his favorite columnist's article was missing from last week's edition.
'I want to know why her column isn't in the paper! She's trying to save the nation!' he exclaimed.
I sensed he wasn't truly angry with me, but I knew that offering any reason other than the simple truth—that she was taking a short break and would return in a couple of weeks—might have escalated the situation. His call made me smile and shake my head. While I may not possess the quick wit of our editor, who crafts clever analogies in his weekly pieces, there are moments that compel me to share my thoughts.
His phone call got me thinking though. People seem more inclined to react with anger and frustration rather than with gratitude and thoughtful reflection. They're allowing their emotions to be manipulated by politicians, media, and social platforms, instead of stepping back to gain a broader perspective—the proverbial 30,000-foot view. What's remarkable is that both sides—Democrats and Republicans—are playing the same game, and they all know it.
Politicians are masters of misdirection and flattery. They understand that if they don't admit to something—even when there's clear evidence—their supporters will eventually forget and begin to defend them.
They rely on the overwhelming flood of information to keep the average person from keeping up, while they continue moving forward without accountability.
It's astonishing how self-righteousness blinds people to the reality that neither side is inherently better in this political theater. For example, when you hear a politician promise term limits for Congress, rest assured it's a ploy for votes. They know it won't happen. If they later claim bipartisan support and progress on a bill, it's merely a show to make us 'little people' believe they're working on it. If they were my employees delivering such half-hearted efforts, they'd be fired. Oh, wait, we can fire them by voting them out of office.
So here's my appeal: Stop being swayed by propaganda and start exercising discernment mixed with some common sense. Big money controls the narratives, the media, and the politicians—don't let it control your emotions and disrupt your life and relationships. Does it truly matter if your neighbor votes differently? When it comes down to it, that neighbor is more likely to assist you in times of need than any politician you've elected.
Be kind to your neighbor. Be kind to yourself. Approach politics, work, and life with thoughtfulness. Stop sharing and posting hurtful statements, memes and comments thinking you're getting your punches felt or in hopes of changing someone's vote—it won't work.
If you really want to change the nation, start with your own county, city, or school. Let’s educate ourselves on the rules our local government bodies are supposed to follow, so it’s not just the local newspaper holding them accountable and asking the tough questions. After all, we shop at the same grocery store and sit next to them in church, just like you do.
Engage in genuine conversations and seek common ground. Truly listen instead of just waiting for your turn to speak. Stop trying to educate people through rudeness; listen to what they're saying. This can prevent anger from escalating and avoid profanity and name-calling when frustrations peak. Remember, you don't know what battles others are facing. Show grace to people before trying to clean your already stained hands. Refrain from posting online what you wouldn't say to someone face-to-face. Be mindful of what you consume; negativity is pervasive and insidious, indifferent to how you vote— the devil plays both sides.
As Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Thankfully, God holds the ultimate 30,000-foot view. Trusting in Him is far better than placing faith in those who can't see beyond their own narrow perspectives.