Another calm evening. Quiet, serene, at peace. A hot September. The hottest since 1940. The setting sun gives a golden glow. We may lose September to an overwrought summer.

Influencer is a new term but an old avocation. Many are selling something. Repeated rhetoric is convincing if false. We believe the Big Lie. Especially if it is repeated enough times. Perception, true or false, becomes our reality. Once you take up residence in your perceived beliefs, it is hard to break out of the mold. Perhaps your friends and neighbors see the situation as you do. Challenge to the leader’s words is nonexistent. Following the leader has become a way of life. You have been sold a package of lies that you paid good money for and must, for your dignity, affirm as truth.

We poor of the land are a scrappy lot. Few take interest in us, and fewer help us. Former President Obama commented that in rural areas folks cling to their guns and Bibles. When you are ignored so long, it becomes a badge of honor. It becomes easy to say no to logic and truth from those who never cared what you thought in the first place. It is called being lonely in a crowd.

Leaders by election, religious groups, or fiat seek out those same mindsets, abilities, and personalities. The introverts are ignored. They often see the truth of the moment. Why is the leader saying what they are saying? Who benefits? How can our economy be improving as prices rise and people have less money for food, medicine, and housing? As the words spring forth, is there any evidence to back them up? Empirical study is important for reviewing false rhetoric. When the preacher says to give your finances until it hurts and you will become rich…is anyone becoming rich?
When the President’s Council is all in his head, is that a healthy exchange of ideas?