Alternative Facts

If you think things will change since the election and inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, don’t hold your breath. Things are really going to get very interesting in some aspect or another real soon.  For some these changes are just what the doctor ordered, but for the majority of us the socioeconomic nightmare persists, dreams shattered, limited opportunities, and prejudice and discrimination continue to be on center stage.  If you are feeling this way, I just want to remind you that this is only the first week of a new administration.  

It is one thing to share your side of things, what you value, political views, background and faith, but it is another thing when you cite things that are clearly not supported by the facts on the ground or by photos taken in history.  It is truly remarkable that people will put their reputations on the line to support a position that is clearly not the truth.  And even when being confronted with the truth or facts, they blame others, the media and insist that what they shared is their observation and “it is the truth.”   

        

No doubt we have learned a lot during this “unprecedented” election cycle, where a number of things that were “never done” or “known before” became the new normal.  This election cycle has also shined a “new light” on how far we have come in terms of our civil discourse and yet how far we have to go.  For many of us, this has opened our eyes to see that there is a lot more work that needs to be done to close the gaps.  

Without a doubt, our way of viewing patriotism, nationalism and respect for dignity and order is now on the table for debate.  It’s just not politics anymore.  What is more discerning is that when so much attention was spent on the elections, a lot of the issues of so many people were ignored.  The clear facts remain; people are struggling to find affordable housing, livable wage employment, health care, safe neighborhoods and quality education for their children.  Regardless of what people say or to blame others, the “facts” remain on the ground and they speak the loudest.