The Importance of Truth in Democracy: A Personal Reflection

Living a middle-class lifestyle in today's world is indeed an accomplishment, especially in a country like the U.S. where democracy has been foundational for just over two and a half centuries. Born and raised in what is now the world's premier democratic nation, I am grateful for the legacy left by my Japanese ancestors who migrated to Hawaii in the late 1800s. This migration has led to a diverse family with roots in multiple cultures, each contributing to the rich tapestry of American society.

The Power of Truth

Truth, or the absence thereof, plays a crucial role in shaping our societal values. In the U.S., lying under oath is not merely unethical, but it is also a criminal offense known as perjury. This law roots back to the 9th Commandment in the Old Testament, which commands: "You shall not give false witness against your neighbor." Being truthful is not just a moral duty but a legal obligation, reflecting the respect for the rule of law and the integrity of the judicial system.

Kamala Harris, a prominent example of someone who values truth, has had a career rooted in prosecution. As a District Attorney and Attorney General, her job was to enforce the law on behalf of the people of our nation by establishing credibility with judges and juries. A life dedicated to basing reality on facts and evidence is a stark contrast to the narrative espoused by Donald Trump, who viewed the world through a lens of perception over reality.

Perception vs. Reality: The Trump Effect

Donald Trump's life was centered around marketing, where the end justified the means. For him, lying was a strategy to advance his interests. His slogan "Perception is reality" was a deceptive approach that often prioritized misleading belief over factual evidence. His claims often disregarded the truth, and he frequently contradicted himself with thousands of documented false statements during his presidency, resulting in significant ramifications for his supporters and the nation.

Examples of Trump's lies are numerous and well-documented. His company's conviction for tax fraud, thousands of documented lies, his denial of sexual assault claims, and his false claims about the 2020 election wrongdoing have all underscored the perils of dishonesty and its real-world consequences. These actions not only undermined the rule of law but led many of his followers to believe in false narratives that ultimately caused harm and division.

A Return to Reality: Harris and Walz's Commitment to Truth

With the 2020 election, the American people made a collective decision for change by voting against Trump. This transition has led to a gradual return to normalcy. Vaccination rates, employment numbers, and stock market growth have all shown significant improvement. However, the challenge of misinformation and conspiracy theories persists. This is where Kamala Harris and Walz stand strong, advocating for a return to reality based on factual evidence.

Under their leadership, it is crucial to address challenges like immigration and inflation through data and evidence-based policies rather than fearmongering and conspiracy theories. It is essential to never allow a figure like Donald Trump, with personal instability, to hold power over nuclear weapons. We must continue to prioritize the importance of truth in guiding our actions and national policies.

By supporting Harris-Walz in the 2024 election, we can reaffirm our commitment to a democracy where truth matters and despair is replaced by hope for a better tomorrow.