A Confession

It's best to be honest about it so here's a confession. Everything I write is not absolutely true. That's not to say that I lie. There are lots of ways to tell the truth and you can use farce, sarcasm, fiction or fantasy.

The arts are always ahead of the politicians in telling the truth. The Broadway Musical "West Side Story" brought racism and poverty to the public dialogue ten years ahead of popular discourse. It's a made up story about a real issue punctuated by songs spotlighting the things both right and wrong in America. There are countless other examples from the stage, popular song and, of course, in writing.

When Jesus was asked what is truth, he didn't say anything. He just stood there because the truth was so frigging obvious nothing needed to be said. He was standing there before Pilate who was quickly becoming Pontius and the Governor had a decision to make. He could do right or he could do wrong and that was the truth of the matter.

I use all of these tricks as I write about who I am, my journey, where I live, things I've done and what I hope.

Sometimes I poke fun at myself, Government, religion and things that happen. Other times I'm dead serious. Most often I merely explain what happened or what I think is going to take place. Occasionally I write comedy and a lot of people seem to like it and honestly, it's fun to write.

A long time ago I learned that no matter what I write or say, it will offend someone. It's the price of saying anything at all. It's a sad state of affairs when people remain silent so they won't get in trouble. History has proven repeatedly that bad things happen when silence reigns ... be it in a marriage, bad public policy or injustice.

Except in the case of injustice, I never mean to offend. I understand that regardless of how hard I try not to make someone mad, I will and I apologize for that.

We were created to be uniquely us. We all have gifts and talents to be shared. Someone is always going to be offended at one of your gifts ... one of your talents. And you'll likely take offence at others from time to time. What do you do?

I think you don't remain silent. You speak to the person or persons who offend you. You hope they speak to you. Truth is always in the middle. Pilate had to stare through it to ask Jesus the question. Nothing was said and bad things happened.

So when I write a lot of people say they're grateful while others inform me I'm full of it. Either way's OK. We're talking.

And that's the truth.