How to tell the truth - but not all of it.

 

Throughout the world governments tell us stories but seldom do they tell us the full story and the information they give us might not have the same meaning.

The cartoon here may be an extreme example but whenever governments make a statement it's important to check that they are telling you the full story. Here's an example from the UK government sent to me in an email begging for funding.

This missive from our government is a classic example. 'Missive' in this case being what the government missed out.

•They said they'd achieved, "Getting Brexit done and taking back control of our nation’s destiny" They left out the part about BREXIT now costing the UK £800 million per week, rather more than the £350 million they claimed the EU cost us claimed on that famous Brexit bus.

•They said they'd achieved, "Delivering the biggest cash boost in history for the NHS." They left out the information that the NHS is now eight years into the longest financial squeeze in its history. That cash boost will still leave the NHS behind.

•They said they would be, "Increasing school funding to give every child a world class education." Will this replace the cuts since 2015, let alone provide a world-class education for every child?

•They said they will be, "Launching a new plan for immigration to control our borders." Before Brexit we could move freely throughout the EU. Now we can't. Before Brexit we had full control of immigration from outside the EU - that hasn't changed. Immigration is important to the UK. Without immigration the UK population would drop and there would be skills shortages. The government seems intent on making things worse. Compassion and common sense at our borders? Not a chance.

•They said they would be, "Giving our police the powers and resources needed to keep your streets safe." Our streets are ALREADY safe. There is less violent crime now than there was 20 years ago*. The regulations they suggest will curtail civil liberties.

* According to a recent New Scientist article the decrease in violent crime is probably due to the removal of lead from petrol (gas). It's a worldwide change and is set to decrease further as those affected age and the lead works its way from our environment.