DEAR EDITOR:

I understand, not easily accepted, evasive, disinformation, fabricated, inaccuracy … whatever term you wish, feel free to do so … but it comes down to being a lie.

Why do some individuals lie, and continue to lie, even when the facts prove differently?

It depends on their objective, their audience and what they can gain by lying.

The most common reason to lie is to escape punishment. According to its definition, punishment is suffering, pain or loss. Considering the definition, “losing” is the worst punishment.

There is a term, “loss aversion,” which simply means that for many, the pain of losing is psychologically twice as powerful as the pleasure of gaining. Some believe that simply based on who they are, they can’t lose.

There are those who for years used the power of the lie to gain, to escape punishment, have become very good at it and have used it as their means of progression, gaining both wealth and position.

Lies are powerful whenever they are accepted as truth. They can influence one’s decision and behavior, wrongly placed hatred or wrongly placed love, misunderstanding a crisis and more so how to address it.

Some will lie, continue to lie and push the lie simply to gain a reward by concealing the truth. If the subject matter, the topic is one of importance, and if one suggests he or she can or has properly favorably addressed the topic or has plans to, but the facts may prove differently, then the power of the lie is pushed harder.

Often, others may accept a lie, knowing it is not true to protect themselves, or an organization they belong to, even if they did not vocalize the lie.

Then some accept a lie based on either their feelings about a subject matter or their lack of understanding a subject matter; it simply is easier, and more comforting to accept the lie.

In this upcoming presidential election, we have two major candidates. One continues to vocalize past accomplishments and wrongdoings by the other or their party, the other identifying accomplishments, current conditions and the need to address future concerns.

One can support their position and their gains by facts, the other not so, and more importantly, can be proven wrong by the facts.

I realize many of us are far too busy to check every statement coming out of a candidate’s mouth for validity, but in today’s instant information atmosphere, facts can be checked right from your cellphone. Do a little due diligence, take a little time to check the facts.

I took it on my own to check some facts and I’d like to share the following:

Fact: The World is “round.”

Fact: Elvis is not returning for another concert.

God Bless America.

JOHN P. LESEGANICH SR.

Canfield