When I think about politics, I spin out — like a cartoon toy wound so tight that its string snaps and smoke shoots out of its ears. For all the things I hate about politics — the division between people I care about and the unresolved, long-standing disagreements — I still want to dip a toe in now and then. But maybe not in the way you’d expect.
What I can’t stand is misinformation. I value truth. While I recognize that subjectivity plays a role in how we interpret information, it’s important to share facts that illuminate bias or misrepresentation in media coverage.
For instance, I recently shared an article about deportations, highlighting that during Biden’s presidency in 2024, there was a deportation to Colombia every three days, totaling 124 that year. Facts like that matter, especially when narratives get skewed or ignored altogether.
Why do facts matter to me so much? Maybe it’s because words have the power to twist reality into whatever we wish. Take the simple story: “car, dog, running quickly.” Most minds will fill in the gaps and assume the dog is hit by the car. But those assumptions aren’t facts — they’re shaped by our beliefs, values, history, and the opinions of those around us.
That’s why I tread carefully when talking to people who mirror my own beliefs. It’s tempting to nod along and say, “That’s right! Hell yeah, brother!” But I know that agreement isn’t true. It’s just affirmation, and that’s not the same thing.
Truth requires variety — a kaleidoscope of perspectives and information. And perhaps most importantly, it requires humility: the willingness to stay open and resist drawing hard conclusions. Because staying open might be the only way we get closer to the truth.
Now, onto other matters. In Evelyn’s absence, Dave and I got in and out of Lowe’s, Beall’s clothing store, and PetSmart in record time. The receipts you will notice show all the fixings for a fish tank, six 8’x7′ Coolaroo outdoor shades (they were on sale for $30 a piece!), a 6′ tall fern, and clearance white linen pants for only $5. We thought of skipping the grocery store due to lack of car space, but since we only needed a few produce items, I stowed the haul at my feet.
From Aunt Cathy just now a text came in, of two things, a video of Evelyn jumping up and down and squealing while racing Grandpa in marble run, and a picture of her cuddling with Grandpa who’s reading Dr. Seuss’s “Go Dog Go”. Having received that hit of dopamine I will surely sleep well.
Alrighty, I’m going to finish up a handful of progress notes. See ya!
Love, Jaclynn