Where I live, the economy is largely based on tourism. The title of this blog was stolen from the sign that one fellow had on his tour bus. I knew him from the time I was old enough to see. He was flamboyant, goofy and very gay. But he was one hell of a tour guide. Being that I lived here and never really had the time, I never took one of his tours. I was told by quite a few that they were great. When asked what part of the tour was truth, half truth or lies, he always responded, "that is for you to figure out!" He is long dead now. Probably for at least 20 years, but recent world events bring home the "truth" of his response.
I have always been a person who tries to judge based on fact. If possible, on empirical observed fact. Conjecture, while an important tool that should be used to arrive at fact, is frustrating. How many people have you heard espousing "truth" that you knew was a lie. Did they know it was a lie? Did they believe it to be truth? Were they simply misinformed? Am I (or you) capable of telling the difference? Does it matter?
Sometimes mob mentality can turn a lie into the truth. Much like the person repeating a lie over and over again soon begins to believe it themselves, when you hear the same lie from many sources it is easy to begin to believe it is the truth.
It is my opinion (and pay attention now...) that most opinions on current world events cannot be considered anything more than opinions. Is there first hand experience involved in forming this opinion? In most cases the answer is No. Is there second hand experience involved in forming this opinion? In most cases once again, the answer is no. Is this opinion based on select propaganda that has been disseminated to the masses (possibly with an agenda, possibly through simple ignorance)? Is the opinion based on wishful thinking or upon a misguided attempt to be "a good person?"
The FACT is, that no matter how the opinion is formed, unless it is based on first hand experience or to a lesser extent, second hand experience, it is simply that; an opinion.
The sad part about the whole situation, no matter whether we are talking about Whole Truth, Half Truth or Outright Lies, is that the rut we often get ourselves into is generally too deep to jump out of to figure out which is which.
I know something is truth when it affects me directly. I have a good feeling that something is truth when it affects a friend or family member directly. If I saw it on TV or the internet, skepticism rules the day. And it should. If I saw it on TV or the internet and it contradicts a first or second hand experience, I call bullshit. If that is offensive to you, perhaps you should jump out of your rut. It might keep you from spinning your wheels and having a shitty tour experience.
Obfuscation. I have learned as much from books and other third-hand sources of information as I have from first hand life experience. There is a good quote that while incorrectly attributed to Edmund Burke the philosopher, is valid nonetheless. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." I do not have any first hand knowledge that President Obama is a liar. And yet, I know enough to know this is true.
ReplyDeleteBahahaha! And here I thought I was being subtle and keeping the can of worms all to myself...lmao! *passes Joey a worm*
DeleteI had a woman here tell me, and she is the head of the "Farm Museum" that she "knew everything there is to know about farming because she read it in a book!" I would not make a pimple on a farmer's behind and I farm....but I do not know everything. Far from it.
Obfuscation? from an opinionated bastard such as myself? I am not that smart! lmao
Oh, and by the way......Climb aboard and enjoy your tour!
DeleteNothing more disingenuous than a brilliant man who claims to be nothing more than a simple farmer. Lol. Is alcohol served on these tours?
DeleteKT agreed to serve us.....topless.
DeleteThe way I see it, people with opinions that differ from mine are wrong opinions. Just kidding, they are stupid opinions. Just kidding again, where are all the boobs?
ReplyDeleteNothing but moobs until you got here! Whoop!
DeleteI know where the boobs are. But I can't go around squeezing them without permission. ...... That got me in so much trouble last time.
DeleteNow Joseph, you know that incident was all about me playing hard to get! Besides....you told me you had a good time in the holding cell!
DeleteDisingenuous too is a man with an opinion based not on fact, common sense or what he says but what he has stubbornly believe all his life. Woe the man that can't be budged.
ReplyDeleteSo, guys, how's the pay around here?
Do you take French fries?
DeleteKT, your non feminist role here is topless beer service. Now....get over here and budge me!
ReplyDeleteYou can't handle the truth!
DeleteIt is very possible that, in my advanced age and frailty that I could not handle the truth, but I think trying to get at the truth could be a whole lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteYou're a brilliant writer, actually. I really enjoyed reading this - it started off as being a rather funny story ("What parts of your tour are true, half-truths, or lies?") then got us thinking at a much deeper level. Keep writing... you're good at this!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The tour guide story is Truth! lol
DeleteThis actually describes my trip into town last Thursday very well... Incidentally I did travel by bus.
ReplyDeleteWas the bus driver a flamboyant homosexual wearing turquoise and fur?
DeleteAren't they always?!
Deletehttp://beforeitsnews.com/ nothing but truth here, and I love every bit of it!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this. A few years back I delved quite deeply into philosophy and there's entire strands dedicated to the study of reality and truth. It's mind-bending to say the least how little we can really claim to know. Even first hand experiences can easily be called into question because we are all limited to our own singular perspective. Is your experience of red the same as mine etc.? It's fun to study but at the same time frustrating as you come to understand how knowledge is wielded, manipulated as well as how people frequently are trapped by their own biases and personal agendas.
ReplyDeleteAnyway. Great post.