DEAR HARRIETTE: I am confused about our current political landscape. When I listen to the president talk, I hear him proudly saying all of these things that he has done for the benefit of this group or that. Then I listen to a variety of pundits who discredit each point with tremendous energy. I can’t tell what is the truth. How can I figure it out? -- Where Is the Truth?
DEAR WHERE IS THE TRUTH?: If your goal is to discover the truth independent of political party, you will need to do a lot of digging. You have to look at what the president and others say and then look at news sites on both sides of the aisle to see how they are being unpacked. Further, search online for legal documents that may provide evidence of truth. You may be able to find them in the Congressional Record.
Beyond that, your responsibility is to sort through all that you find and hear and make an assessment of what you believe to be true. In politics it is difficult to know for sure when the truth is being told. That seems horrible, I know. But the reality is that politicians often twist the truth to support their claims.
You should know that whether or not you support the president, there are positive things that the administration has done as well as some that are questionable. Your job as an American citizen is to pay attention so that you are aware of what is happening with our government. When you appreciate something, say as much. When you object to something, speak up. You can write to the president, write to Congress and communicate with the news media to share your views.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)