We live within a sea of deceit. Fake news, false narrative, misinformation, disinformation, lies, deceit, treachery and misleading advertising. Caveat emptor - Buyer beware.
Nowhere is this more prevalent than in politics and propaganda. One would think the hallmark of true democracy would be political honesty. Yet, although there are numerous laws to protect the consumer from misleading advertising, there are simply no -zero- laws against would be politicians making false promises and misleading statements.
It seems more and more, politics is the art of deceit. How can you tell if a politician is lying? If their lips are moving. What an indictment of our societal values and our own integrity. It seems elections have become a contest in lying. Who can tell the bigger fib? Who can spin the taller tale? Who can make the larger lie? Who can offer us the most candy? Make me promises of 'free money' and I don't care.
It used to be that leadership was a noble task – a calling to lead society to a better future. A genuine desire to heal and to help. To be of service. To be an orator inspiring, sharing, encouraging and extolling the best in all of us. A rallying call to build a better world.
Now it is all graft and corruption which of course necessitates the surveillance state of Big Brother to compel us all into submission and compliance because we no longer have genuine and willing faith in our ruling class. The sleazier the scandal the better the news.
I have noticed the sudden birth and explosion of those ubiquitous white cameras everywhere. On every street corner and every set of lights. Big Brother is watching and can now see right into your cockpit lest you be doing anything ‘wrong’ while driving. I believe it is all a cover for eventual facial recognition in the next lock down and the eventual 15-kilometre city.
We know where you are. We are watching. Welcome to the surveillance state.
True leadership is all about voluntary and willing compliance and following. People will naturally and joyously follow that which is good and right. It is intrinsic within us to want to build a better world and to sacrifice some personal freedom for the good of society, but not for the greed of a few megalomaniacs craving total domination and power.
We need to begin by holding our leaders accountable, by demanding clarity and truthfulness, by being clear within ourselves as to what we will accept and what we will not. Reassert your healthy boundaries of truth around you. Speak your truth clearly and gently. You do not need to be aggressive, nor assertive, but you do need to be clear.
You begin by knowing who you are and what your values are. What matters to you. What is important and what is not-negotiable. Above all – be sincere and genuine. Be you.
Be like the still pond reflecting the truth with no distortion or egoic ripples.
