Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change

by John Lewis

We say that we want our leaders to tell us the truth, but are we prepared to make the sacrifices required once we hear that truth? Many candidates are afraid to speak the truth because they believe the people will reject the tough adjustments that might be called for—a cutback on services, a hike in taxes, a decision to put a halfway house in your neighborhood, to thin the population of urban deer, to close schools or military bases, or to lay people off. In order to get elected, many strategists actually recommend hiding the truth by using vague language or feel-good facts. The best approach, they would say, is to resurrect the old, familiar ghosts of our past. They are comfortable, nonthreatening, and fulfill the people’s need to verify the legends that support our national image of ourselves. Thus, it is not only the politicians, but the people, also, who participate in this grand denial because they don’t stay engaged and informed. They allow others to interpret the facts for them. They do no independent research. They are exhausted by critical thinking, yet they feel betrayed when they are confronted by corruption in politics that shatters their illusions. Politicians have a fiduciary responsibility to preserve the public’s trust. That goes without saying, and they are responsible when they lie or break the law. But the citizens of a democracy also have a responsibility to remain engaged and informed so they cannot be easily duped. How many man-on-the-street interview...