Truth & Nothing but the Truth
"Every truth has two sides; It is well to look at both before we commit ourselves to either." (The Mule, Greek Fables Aesop c.620-560 B.C.)
Recent events seem to show that there are, indeed, sides and shades of truth. One wonders, can there really be two sides to the truth? Are there dual standards in establishing the truth?
I remember a story told in cheder, Jewish elementary school: Once, two businessmen came to the town rabbi to settle a business dispute. One claimed that he deserved the profits in the business while the other said he deserved the profits. After contemplating the case, the rabbi addressed the businessmen and said "You are both right." The rabbi's wife, overhearing her husband, asked "How can they both be right?" To this, her husband answered "Yes, you are also right!" Everyone may feel right, but I believe that truth must be unequivocal.
The world is full of surprises. Examine world events and you will see what has been happening.
It's been reported that President Clinton asked the media to spare his daughter, Chelsea from the pain of media exposure. Why didn't he think of that when he got involved with Monica Lewinsky? What are his standards for truth?
The recent Senate vote on obstruction of justice was a sad 50 - 50. The Senate could not agree to trust the President. Clinton claims to be "profoundly sorry" and the vote shows our senators really can't agree on what the truth is!
Americans worship sports. It's the excitement of the games and the talent of the players that attract us But if we examine sport heroes we will find a world of falsehood.
Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson once again showed his true animalistic instincts and was arrested and returned to prison. Tyson had reported that he is a man who has overcome a life of regret; claiming that the three and a half years he spent in prison were a learning experience. He is a good person and apologized for his past bad behavior. He said, "I haven't died yet, but I've been to hell." His statement of repentance meant nothing. Tyson is back in prison for new crimes.
On the basketball court, the great Michael Jordan retired. The 35 year old's impressive career has been an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of fans. He has won five most valuable player awards. He holds the NBA record of ten scoring titles.
"Basketball for me was the first stage; It got me to this point in my life. I knew it had to end. My life takes on a different stage now and it's a different challenge, and I welcome that, I knew it was coming," said Jordan. When asked if he would return Jordan said, "I never say never but I am 95 - 99% certain. I am very secure with my decision." What is he really saying? Will he ever return to the game? He left once before and returned. Why can't we get a 100 percent answer? He leaves me wondering if his decision was A) the game is not a challenge, B) he really want to spend more time with his family or C) he is waiting for a new offer.
Jumping onto the band wagon is Dennis Rodman, known as the Worm. He too, was retiring from the NBA. "I am in limbo but I am not going to say I'm retired." Rodman, known for his bizarre behavior and dress, seemed to try to take the spotlight off Michael Jordan by playing hard to get and making himself feel important. The disruptive Rodman may have joined the Lakers. He will be paid the sum of $1 million according to the latest reports. This player may not remember what he says.
New York Yankees slugger, Daryl Strawberry, has been spending time speaking about his marijuana use and drinking. He has decided to become a spokesman for the Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence claiming, "I have a lot of hope after suffering through cancer and alcohol and drugs. What more can a man go through?" Will he really be an honest model or is he just singing the tune we want to hear? Recently he was to attend a card signing ceremony but never turned up. So much for his spokesmanship.
For those who don't care for sports there is television.
Oprah Winfrey, the daytime T.V. champion, said that she is tired of her show and plans to retire. Some daytime T.V. talk shows "Had become a vulgarity circus." The job of interviewing more dysfunctional people has become a let down. She claims that daytime T.V. talk shows are over saturated with sadness or vulgarity. She sees that there is no future for them, so she is going to retire. Her retirement will come soon. Now, do you think she speaks the truth or does she want a better contract?
There must be a better way for sports players, T.V. stars and politicians to act.
I believe that we must be more honest about everyting. We should turn to the Bbble, that best seller book, which is full of advice and truth. There the truth is straightforward - no dual standards. One's heart and lips must be in consort according to the Bible. "Speak every man the truth with his neighbor" (Bible: Zech., 8.16.) There are no ifs, buts or explanations. The Bible has only one side - the correct side. Whatever the biblical leaders said they did. There was no playing with the minds of the people.
There were no surveys for the meaning of truth, just straight honesty.
The central theme of the Bible is to emulate the virtues of the almighty G‑d. Since G‑d represents truth we are expected to champion the cause of truth. It is time to demand the truth from all our celebrated citizens. As the saying goes "I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me G‑d."