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My New Year’s Resolution Is to Confront All Lies That Are Presented as Truth

Americans are conditioned to believe without question many things that cause them a great deal of harm

Walter Rhein
Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs

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A painting of a burning garbage dumpster in front of the American flag. The dumpster has “2025” printed on the front.
Image by Walter Rhein

To a large extent, what I plan on doing over the next few years is an extension of what I’ve always done. I’ve always researched ideas not as a journalist but as a scholar. I’ve tried to go beyond the media messaging in order to discern what forces are truly directing our reality and for whom.

But now there’s a difference, and the difference is that I’m no longer so willing to allow certain misstatements and misconceptions to pass uncontested. Often, in social settings, people will make rude and generalized comments with the self-assurance that it will provoke a laugh or a snort of derision. It has become normalized to question the intelligence of accomplished people and elevate the contributions from those who have done nothing whatsoever.

I’ve found I can’t stay silent anymore. I feel compelled to offer corrections. I have to give voice to the other side of the story, even when I read the room and recognize that I’m outnumbered. From experience I can tell you that on more than one occasion I’ve spoken without recognizing I had any allies present only to find that they sought me out later to say…

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