Perception vs. Reality

I could say so much about this. It is a topic that was a continuous source of irritation for me while in the Air Force. It infuriates me that seemingly intelligent people allow themselves to be manipulated by low-life, unethical, self-serving, individuals who will ruin anyone to lift themselves up. Why is it that the military has lost its true leadership? Why are there so many out there that are so concerned about making that next rank, or "looking out for number one", that they are willing to stand by idly and watch a good person and/or their career etc. . . be tarnished be lies and rumors? Why is that rather than being a good leader and seeking the truth, so many choose to blindly accept what is whispered about as gospel fact? PERCEPTION IS REALITY -- This is something that I heard often while in the Air Force. IT IS A LIE (Perception is only Reality to the Ignorant). Perception is not Reality. Truth is Reality. It is every leader's responsibility to find the truth and set it right. Unfortunately, the devil has embedded himself so deeply into every facet of life in this country. How does he do it? By spreading lies and rumors about those who are doing right. Why not? Most people in the world today are more than eager to hear the bad that has come to someone or the bad that a person has done. Next time you hear someone say something about another person why not go to the source and talk to them? Why not tell that person spreading the rumor -- you aren't interested in hearing it? A true leader evaluates the information they are given, the source of the information, and realizes there are two sides to every situation. A true leader seeks THE TRUTH and does not allow PERCEPTION TO BECOME REALITY. You must always begin at the source to get to the truth. An unverifiable "story" or rumor is a lie and does not deserve repeating or acting on in any way other than to stop it. Next time you are given the choice, choose the difficult path -- seek the Truth. If the result is that you prevent a wrong from occurring then your trouble in seeking the truth will be rewarded.