ALTERNATIVE FACTS

ALTERNATIVE FACTS

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  “Figures never lie, but liars always figure.” Edwin Bennett Bullock 3^rd

  My Dad of course never heard of the newly coined phrase “alternative facts”, but being an astute man he certainly would recognize the fact of it.

  Lying was taboo in our family. Being a trial and error lad I tested the truth of it at personal heated expense and a soapy mouth. Not being a quick learner I tasted several brands of soap and depleted the side yard peach tree of tender limbs. Though Dad was neither washer nor whipper, he did warn me to beware of experts quoting statistics.

  When older I discovered what God says about lying goes far beyond His succinct straightforward #9 commandment.

  Here’s a dandy alternative fact example for you: Overall crime rates have gone down. Oh really?! Check out https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:U.S._incarceration_rates_1925_onwards.png

and consider that if going down then why has the ratio of incarnated gone up nearly tenfold since the mid 70’s?

  Rant against alternative facts all I want to, but it still, as ever, boils down to my personal consideration and application of James chapter 3 . . . with the end goal of not simply not lying but to be always sowing the fruit of righteousness in peace. (3:18)

  So be it.

EBB4

PS. Admittedly there are other factors involved. Though a minor stat, fewer executions meaning fewer inmates is one.