One of the reasons people hate politics is that truth is rarely

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, for there are truths in the world that are often veiled beneath the weight of politics and the ambition of those who seek power. The words of Cal Thomas strike with clarity and depth: "One of the reasons people hate politics is that truth is rarely a politician's objective. Election and power are." These words are not merely a critique of politicians, but a reflection on the very nature of politics itself, and the ways in which truth often becomes distorted in the pursuit of power. The pursuit of truth and the pursuit of election are often seen as opposing forces, and it is this tension that breeds the disillusionment many feel when faced with the world of politics.

The nature of politics is one that often calls for compromise, negotiation, and sacrifice, and while these are necessary in the governance of a society, they can also lead to the distortion of truth. In the world of politics, where elections are the battleground and power is the prize, the truth is often shaped and molded to fit the narrative of those who seek to gain favor. The truth can become malleable, bent to the will of those who seek to gain power or to avoid its loss. Cal Thomas’ words remind us that the truth is not always the goal of the politician; rather, it is election and power that dominate their intentions, and this leads to a profound disconnect between the people and the leaders who claim to serve them.

Consider the tale of the ancient Roman Empire, where power and political ambition were pursued at all costs, often with little regard for the truth of the matters at hand. Julius Caesar, a man of great intellect and ambition, sought power not for the good of the people, but for the consolidation of his own authority. His rise to power was marked by political maneuvering and the manipulation of public opinion. The truth of his intentions — the need for absolute power — was hidden behind a veneer of public service. This is not to say that Caesar did not make great contributions to Rome, but his ascent was marked by a shifting truth, where election and power were placed above the true well-being of the people.

In modern times, political figures still engage in this same dance. The pursuit of power often obscures the pursuit of truth, leading politicians to manipulate facts, shape narratives, and present half-truths to the public. Consider the example of Winston Churchill, whose leadership during World War II is remembered as one of the finest in history. Yet, it is known that Churchill’s rhetoric was often crafted not to simply reflect the truth, but to inspire and rally the people to action. His speeches were not always grounded in absolute fact, but in the emotion of the moment. Churchill understood that the truth could sometimes be altered to achieve the greater goal of inspiring the masses.

The tension between truth and power is not unique to politics, but it is often more pronounced in the political arena, where the stakes are high and the consequences of failure are immense. As Cal Thomas points out, truth is often sacrificed for the sake of winning elections, for the attainment of power that ensures influence and control. Political leaders must, at times, tailor their words, shift their positions, or conceal certain facts to maintain their positions. Thus, the battle for power is often a battle against truth, and the public, unable to distinguish between truth and manipulation, grows weary of the game.

The lesson, O children, is this: in life, there will be moments when the pursuit of power can cloud the pursuit of truth, and it is in these moments that we must be vigilant. Do not be swayed by the illusions that power can create, for those who seek power often have reasons to conceal the whole truth, to present it in a way that serves their interests. In your own lives, seek truth above all else, even if it is inconvenient or unpopular. Do not be fooled by the rhetoric of those who promise to lead, but who are driven more by the thirst for power than by the desire to serve.

In your dealings with others, in your choices, and in your relationships, remember that the pursuit of truth is always more noble than the pursuit of power. Seek clarity in your thoughts and in your actions, for the truth will always endure, while power may rise and fall like a fleeting shadow. And in the end, it is the truth that will guide you, sustain you, and empower you far more than any fleeting victory in the battle for power.