Speaking the Truth

 For the last few days, I’ve been entertaining a mild case of covid. Not a choice I would have made, if I’d really had a choice. But it has slowed me down, which actually has some good effects.  I had to cancel all my in-person meetings and appointments, and just sit or lie around in my comfortable home, wondering when I would be well again. But also it gave me time to think about my life, my priorities, and how I fit into the current world. This morning I decided I would go out my door, wearing a mask in case I ended up talking to someone. And I went down to my garden to see what’s happened in the last six days. I sat on the bench right by a huge patch of marigolds buzzing with bees and butterflies, and I marveled at the insect life in that little patch, and thought about how all of us living beings on earth have our own protocols, our own instincts. Probably no one told those bees and butterflies that they were supposed to seek out flowers. No one taught them how to fly, or any of the other intricate and species-appropriate things they do all their lives. There are SO many different animals and plants and insects on this planet, each of them with their own unique identity. And we’re right in the middle of this incredible diversity of life, yet we’re usually pretty preoccupied with our own narrower lives (just like the bees).

When I got inside again, I read Heather Cox Richardson’s post for today. I had gathered enough happiness in the garden so I had the courage to read about what is happening here in the human world. I depend upon Heather to tell us the unvarnished truth, which is an invaluable thing these days. And as usual, I cringed at what is happening in our government, in our culture. As children, we learn to tell the truth, to be accepting and helpful to others, and to respect our elders. And as we grow up, we assume a culture of honesty when we hear important people like presidents giving speeches. We figure that the only way to become so important is to be a really great human being, strong, caring, truthful, dedicated to the common good. 

I can’t remember when I finally realized that some “important people” actually were not always telling the truth. Some of them wanted to be famous or rich, and their words were ones they thought would get them there. But still, it was not until fairly recently (maybe the last couple of decades) that it has become ordinary to tell lies to crowds of people. Now, in 2026, lying has become so acceptable in our culture that it is hard to know when someone is telling the truth or a lie. Words, especially in the political arena, are used to manipulate people so they will vote for you or give you power. There’s a science to this manipulation. And it is often very effective, no matter what the truth really is. NOT a good sign for the continuance of our culture!

When looking at this saddening situation, it’s automatic to wonder what we can do about it. It’s so big. How can one little person make any difference? I just got home recently from an amazing 4 days with people from Quaker Earthcare Witness, at QEW’s Fall Gathering. It was the first time I’d been in person with these folks, though I’d been working with many of them on zoom for the past 6 years as a delegate from Iowa Quakers. One of the things that is so wonderful about this organization is that not only do they approach climate change and earthcare from scientific and practical points of view. Their approach is deeply spiritual as well, connecting to the spirit of the earth itself, seeking ways to work with the earth as it heals, respecting all of life, not just humanity. And when I was wondering this morning what I could do in the face of our collapsing democracy, a Quaker saying I heard at the Gathering (“Speak truth to Power”) came to mind. 

Then I remembered all the people already in politics who are courageous enough to be speaking truth to power right now. They are putting their lives on the line in many cases, for speaking the truth to our current rulers can put you in grave danger. So many Democrats have been harassed and threatened when they stand up for what they believe and challenge the lies they are hearing from others. I tried to put myself in their place. Would I have the courage to do that? You would have to feel like it was worth endangering your life in order to speak truth to someone who hates you for it. 

All this cogitating this morning has made me realize that it is not a black and white situation. I can’t just blame the other party, for congress is made up of real people who are in a difficult situation. By this time, it is probably obvious to most of them that our president is losing his mind, making up fantasies, doing anything to punish his opponents and honor himself. This might have been more subtle awhile ago, but it is beginning to be blatant. And if you are a politician who supported our president at first, you will be in a very awkward position when you realize he’s crazy and dragging our country down. If you change your mind, you’ll be in danger of retribution. Maybe you just keep your head down. 

I’ve never had a desire to be a public figure, someone in a high place in the government. But we all know that we’re in bad shape in this country. And rather than each of us trying to do our little part, the solution seems to be that we join with others to speak truth to power, however that happens: voting, demonstrations, speeches, writing a blog post. Gathering together with others who are concerned and dedicated to standing up for what they believe. Putting the common good ahead of personal power. One step at a time. And remember the good things: the bees and butterflies and all the Earth.