Be careful what you say
TimeWatch Editorial
November 7, 2015
Today we’ve posted four articles in our TimeWatch Daily file, regarding statements made or positions taken by Dr. Ben Carson. It is not our place at this time to determine the accuracy or the true intent of those statements or indeed whether they represent a misquotation or a misrepresentation of the facts involved. What has struck me as pertinent is how often we describe events of the past differently over time. Looking back to the early years of one’s life, our perspectives on events often shift. Frequently the event becomes a moral example of something else in our lives and becomes a foundational landmark for our existence.
An occurrence which at the time may warrant suppression, because of its gravity or its embarrassing quality, may later be used to represent a powerful turning point in our lives. Sometimes our youthful desires or dreams, though unachieved, might be merged into our reality, as part of a narrative that provides us the sort of profile that we wished we had. We see this so often in the lives of already great men, who for some reason are not satisfied with their greatness, already achieved, but will thoughtlessly proceed to embellish or simply absorb some new “fictional attribute” to their narrative.
The arrogance that accompanies this type of addition to the profile is revealed in the lack of thought given to a future revelation of facts. Alternately, the hunger and loneliness that resides in the heart of some of those who we would describe as “having everything” is frequently astonishing. Why else would one who has already proven to the world that they have been truly blessed, risk a dangerous account of something un-provable or even unnecessarily explosive?
What I have just described has caused me to reflect upon the years gone by. In my own description of my childhood years, have the events been altered to improve or exaggerate my profile? Have I suppressed the truth concerning my flaws, and exchanged them for some grandiose picture of a dominant and righteous individual? What of the “years of stupidity?” how willing am I to admit to myself that those decisions, actions and choices taken should truly be labeled youthful indiscretions? Or has it become necessary to justify the smallest inappropriate reasoning?
What we say today, may result in an irreversible roadblock tomorrow. How we say what we say might establish an indelible picture of who we are and will be. Truth is always a safe bet. For the most horrific act will find redemption in the confession of error. When in doubt, however, silence is best. For what you say can and will come back to bite.
Cameron A. Bowen
