The truth is not all it’s cracked up to be

Politicians know this very well and so do a great deal of avoiding the truth. They have figured out most people can’t handle the truth (where did I hear that before?).

We say we want the truth, but not really. The truth makes us uncomfortable, it challenges our points of view and pre-conceived ideas. Pick a subject, for example immigration, welfare, Social Security, foreign aid. What many people believe about these subjects is not true, but don’t tell them that, actual facts only get in the way of their own “facts.”

I learn about truth every day, don’t upset the apple cart. Don’t ask question, especially pointed questions, don’t upset people. I read a blog where a woman blogger gives money management advice. People write to her with their stories of financial problems and she analyzes their situation with recommendations. Some of the things people relate, have done or not done are ridiculous, even sad and stupid. How’s this?

A 32 year old has thousands in debt on seven credit cards, she is financially subsidized by her parents to about $900 a month, but spends $160 per month on singing and dance lessons. No “well done” comment from me.

Nevertheless, most reader comments are filled with only positive things, all fluff and empathy. Rarely is anything questioned.

Meanwhile the blogger and her husband retired in their 30s. She takes pride in flaunting her frugal ways which include buying their children’s clothes and toys at garage sales and thrift shops – while they spend $50 – $150 per month on beer and wine. No comment required?

Well, that’s not true, I question some of the statements on the blog. I ask questions to clarify apparent conflicting information. My comments are never published.

On another blog a person who retired at age 38 and claims a net worth of $2,700,000 including the value of his home refuses to say what portion of his net worth is the home. He and his family do extensive traveling using airline points, but ask how those miles were accumulated in the first place and no reply.

I have been told I ask too pointed questions. I guess that’s true. I don’t accept much at face value for sure. Generally, to ask a pointed question is to question (someone) closely in order to verify facts, or information previously given. That’s seems reasonable to me especially when you do so at a distance such as blog posts. Nevertheless, I’ve been told my questions upset people. My questions are not rude, insulting, or crude.

Let me give examples. A person claims to live a comfortable retired life on Social Security. I would ask, how? A person describes a process or difficulty with a task and I ask, “do you really think it is that difficult.” A person describes the trials and tribulations of doing something and I ask, “are you sure you were meant to do that.” How obnoxious can a person be?

Here’s the thing, don’t be afraid to disagree with me, to challenge my comments, to ask pointed questions here – just be civil and courteous when doing do.