J. Davy Crockett III

The funeral chapel was packed as I entered to pay my respects to the family of an old friend and his widow. As young men, decades ago, we worked together for a national company. His goal was to become an attorney. He attended law school at night and, in time, began a successful law practice. His calm demeanor, reputation for fairness, and even-handed application of the law resulted in his becoming a Circuit Judge, where he served with distinction for several years. Time is relentless, however, and in retirement his health waned until his demise.

On nightly news programs, there is often someone of note being “frog-marched” in manacles into or out of the Courthouse or Justice Building as photographers capture all the action. Within minutes, “Breaking News!” flashes across the screen, blasting the images around the world. Those shackled are mortified, totally humiliated as their reputation is tarnished and their life ruined.

No one wants to be labeled a fool, sluggard, or liar, yet there is ample evidence that those fitting these negative labels cause much of modern society’s conflicts and confusion. As pandemic restrictions wane and folks resume normal activities, it seems that troublesome problems in homes, businesses, and academia have worsened dramatically.

When is a fact not a fact? Can reality be set aside or ignored? Abraham Lincoln, who was known for using homespun anecdotes to make effective points, is said to have once asked a critic, “How many legs does a dog have if you count his tail as a leg?” “Well,” the man said, “In that case, five legs.” “No,” Lincoln replied, “Only four! Saying that a dog’s tail is a leg does not make it a leg.” Such simple yet profound wisdom seems lost on much of society today.