Truth

Living in a world that resembles the Soviet Union?

I recently finished Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham. He writes an extensively researched account of the early morning explosion of Reactor Number Four of the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station on April 26, 1986, in Ukraine. Amazon describes it as “a powerful investigation into how propaganda, secrecy, and myth have obscured the true story of one of the twentieth century’s greatest disasters.”

Midnight in Chernobyl is one of the most interesting non-fiction books I’ve read. I knew very little of what really happened on that fateful day in the 80s, and it provided me with a deeper knowledge of the Soviet Union, the Cold War, communism, the human spirit (both good and bad), and more.

Midnight also made me think more deeply about the propaganda, lies, and secrecy of this horrific historical event. They were on an epic level, which could only happen in the Soviet Union. Or not. What spin, propaganda, or half-truths are you and I subjected to today?

Those who lived around the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station just happened to be born and raised in a communist society where it was challenging to get the truth from anyone. And speaking the truth (or even asking too many questions) could cost you or your family everything. Fast forward to today. Asking “too many” questions or not going along with what seems to be the popular narrative might put you on the path to being canceled or suspended. Questioning authorities may put you on their “radar” with the possibility of making your life more difficult.

My thoughts? Don’t ever stop questioning! Regardless of your political ideology, religious faith (or lack thereof), schooling, upbringing, etc., never be afraid to ask questions. Ask questions of authority, and don’t take whatever they say as truth. It might be the truth. But it might not be. The same holds true for social media. Is what you see on social media truthful? Is there an agenda?

Do your research. Dig deeper. Listen to other points of view. If a government, church, business, school district, etc., is worth anything, they will be glad that you are asking questions, researching, and wanting to find out that they are telling you the truth.

I don’t want to live in a world that resembles the Soviet Union’s “truth.” How about you? - Jason

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