Lies and lies

In the 1920s, Adolph Hitler published his book titled “Main Kampf.” He advocated for big lies as he advised leaders who needed to lie to the public to tell only big lies. He assured his readers that people would easily see through small lies and reject them. He also convincingly wrote that the public would be in awe of big lies, accept them and act accordingly. For example, utilizing his philosophy, Hitler convinced many Germans that they were a super race destined to conquer and rule other nations. The big lie philosophy, coupled with an appropriate amount of coercion, force and violence enabled Hitler to lead many German people for nearly a decade.

In today’s American society, we are exposed to a long list of “big lies.” Although national leaders know the truth, some have described the Jan. 6 attack of the U.S. Capitol Building as a large group of overly boisterous tourists. Except for the friends and loved ones of those who were beaten, wounded or died that day, it is easy for complacent people to rationalize that both accusers and downplayers of the event exaggerated. Besides, it just feels safer not to believe that such an awful event actually happened in the U.S.

Despite several official election recounts, some people believe political leaders’ statements that claimed election officials miscounted, destroyed or created false ballots. The virus vaccine does not work and the pandemic is a hoax. the medical community’s reports were exaggerated when they claimed that millions of people had become sick or dead because they, and others, were unvaccinated.

What are small lies? Echoes from two decades ago of a president who claimed that “I did not have sex with that woman” to denials of sexual harassment from a current governor are viewed by some as small lies because they “just know the old boys did it and of course they would lie about it.” However, the victims of such behavior would more likely see such denials as being just lies.

When public figures, national news, or social media disseminate lies, they diminish the quality of our American way of life.

Politicians who endorse the mentality of lying and “win power with any method available” limit the personal stature and political clout of those who embrace it. This mindset endorses intimidation, coercion, threats, force or violence as acceptable lawmakers’ conduct. Lies, under-the-table subterfuge, parliamentary tricks and fanatically extremist party loyalty are not the ingredients for effective or needed legislation.

This viewpoint and the practices it generates has rent, torn and divided our country. Except for the decade leading up to the Civil War, our economic, social and political lives have never been so fragmented and directionless. Like Sancho Panzsa, many of us “… are climbing on our horse and riding off in all directions.”

Our society had many severe problems and challenges that demand public participation and political leadership. We need leaders who had the intellect and will to develop effective legislation.

Fortunately, we have thousands of Republication, Democratic and independent leaders who do have the intellect and will to utilize the democratic process via debate, persuasion, negotiation and compromise. If given the opportunity, they have the ability to help us come together and move forward. Equally important, they have the courage to turn back the anarchy and ruthlessness of the “win power at any cost” politicians.

We need to identify and support leaders from all political parties who have the intelligence and integrity to represent their country and constituents. I believe we can, and will.

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Pat Tierney of Havre is a 50-plus year retired educator including serving as a professor at Stone Child College and as a professor and dean at Northern Montana College, now Montana State University-Northern.