Facts or interpretations?

A Chinese saying with somewhat of a debatable hint of being a curse is “May you live in interesting times” which opens yet another discussion as to the statement being an opinion or fact. There is no substantive evidence that this saying was an ancient or modern curse but given the times we currently live in, there’s a bit of interest in the statement as it is personally interpreted. In this day and age, it has become the mission of millions to turn over every rock in researching their need to establish the basis for a fact or opinion.

Interesting times, indeed.


We all know that the facts of any matter are verifiable, that truth is determined by researching any evidence and that sets the stage for differing perspectives on a given situation. Facts are the foundation for providing crucial support for the assertion of an argument. But, facts by themselves are completely worthless unless they are put in context where conclusions can be drawn and meaning is established. With that, speaking up on a particular topic can bring criticism while silence incurs vociferous blame with not speaking out.


Then we have opinions which are judgments based on facts, honest attempts to draw reasonable conclusions from factual evidence. Most opinions are potentially changeable, depending on how the evidence is interpreted. Opinions, by themselves, have little power to convince and it’s important to state necessary evidence which contributed to establishing said opinion. A recent post on social media from someone close stated how often they saw posts and heard folks in real life talk about things that are anecdotal or opinion-based as though they were facts. The post went on to state how it was fine to hear of shared experiences along with any discussion involved but for people to treat said observation as Gospel was simply annoying. I hesitated to share additional commentary well, just because; some things, even those funny as hell, are way better left unsaid


Unlike an opinion, there are beliefs which are convictions based on cultural or personal faith, morality or values. These are viewpoints, not based on facts or other evidence, cannot be disproved or contested in a logical or rational manner.


White it’s important to be able to share an opinion, that does not mean it should always be shared. If someone in your immediate circle is more to the “right” and you are more to the “left”, there is a very strong possibility that there will never be any agreement and there are definitely some topics which should never be discussed. It goes without saying how politics can be very touchy and personal so it is best to stop pushing those around you to agree on everything and just accept a difference of opinion. Friends and especially family won’t always agree with us about our beliefs and opinions and it’s important to retain respect for those around us. It’s fine if no agreement can’t be reached because having different perspectives help people to learn and grow stronger.


Finding common ground can be well, beyond difficult, especially where family is concerned. Different generations bring clashing opinions but when any debate begins, think about what you hope to gain from that interaction. A change of mind or insight into the beliefs of others? Staying both open and respectful creates an important platform for understanding. Respect the human element in the other person’s values and understand that, where political beliefs are concerned, there is a shared concern for society with focus on economic or environmental stability. Taking that step back may help recognize that any “opposing” views may not be wildly different from our own and there is room for agreement.


Mostly, know when to make a necessary exit if emotions run a bit hot and avoid trying to get that last word in, something we are all guilty of doing. Don’t deny it. Just leave it there for that inevitable day when the discussion is bound to resurface and possibly healthier perspectives will emerge, resulting in civil exchanges of opinions and facts.

Sure they will, likely when pigs fly.

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Cool it down…

The caustic political verbiage which has been the benchmark for our current presidential campaign came to a sudden stall with the horrendous news event this past Saturday in Pennsylvania, at least for now.


Frankly, one would have to be totally lacking humanity with not having the ability to express empathy for those involved, especially given all of the denigrating rhetoric from those political sides who may have been instrumental with inciting an attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and the heartbreaking murder of an innocent man along with injuries to others.

So, where do we go from here, a momentary pause, a patronizing return to civility, for possibly a few days, even a week? Of course, as would be expected, there have been predictable ramblings from a few opposing sides along with an eerie silence in my own circle from those not sharing similar political views anywhere on social media, almost as if people of a differing political persuasion are unable to reach into their minds, hearts, and offer even the smallest conciliatory statement, choosing instead to post some almost antiseptic meme or nondescript photograph when they do come up for air.

What the hell, people, is it that difficult to step up, speak out, and offer the usual thoughts and prayers in face of an unthinkable event or are your political beliefs dragging you down to sleep with the fishes like Luca Brasi?

Sad, in so many ways that, as human beings, there are those of us lacking the ability to express empathy for others while setting aside our hatred, our differences, while being damn thankful that there, but for the grace of God, could have gone any one of us this past weekend.

Again, what’s next, some of soul-searching while making an effort to meet others in the middle and acknowledge political differences with a bit of intelligent, not condescending, respect? A simple statement, suggested by the current leader of our country is “it’s time to cool it”; a plea for unity, an attempt to heal a fractured country in an election with extremely high stakes.

Cool it, we will; just remember to practice what you’re preaching, JRB.

From the Writer’s Workshop….Write a post in exactly nine sentences.

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An era of discontent…

From one side of the political coin, the complaints expelled are always angry, unhappy, and focused on everything involving current affairs. Misguided and terribly misinformed in many ways but, in that discontentment, is there any possibility that positive progress will ever be achieved?


The anger directed at law enforcement but not the criminals; that same emotion moves on to the legal citizens of our country but not the millions of migrants surging across our borders. Communities everywhere are slowly suffocating as they struggle to provide resources for this human invasion.

People with experience, knowledge and qualifications are marginalized but not those who are employed because of DEI. Of course, LBGTQ+ individuals aren’t treated with the same disdain as straight people. Why not a common ground of respect for all chosen paths in life?

In their almost quid-pro-quo fashion, anger is often directed at white and black people. Unless, of course, they vote for them. According to them, there is no border crisis, no inflation, no high crime, no foreign policy failure and everything is the fault of white supremacists, another political candidate and his followers.

Of course, wherever any of us stand on the political map, we all see things differently. There’s no need to remind anyone on the meaning of opinions. Living in a distorted world, with selective outrage, for a certain faction of our politicos, is a fragmented demonstration of the party they once were.

From the Writer’s Workshop: Write a post in exactly 13 sentences.
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