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How the Erosion of Truth Threatens Democracy
“A properly functioning democracy depends on an informed electorate.”
~ Thomas Jefferson
Our founding fathers believed that an informed and educated populace was essential for a healthy democracy. Unfortunately, the actions of unscrupulous and dishonest politicians and their lies being repeated on less than reputable cable news channels, alternative media sources, and social media have resulted in exactly the opposite. The erosion of truth now threatens our democracy.
The former president racked up tens of thousands of documented lies during his four years in office. His press secretaries had no problem going in front of the press and the American people and repeating lies, including the absurd claims about the election. When we most need truth and leadership, we have those seeking to upend the truth surrounded by enablers.
The result of this behavior is that American citizens cannot even agree about the outcome of our last presidential election. A majority of supporters of the president actually believe the constant stream of lies they are being fed by unscrupulous politicians and “alternative media” sources that insist without any proof or evidence of any kind, that he did not lose the election he lost.