When I was growing up, one of my favorite television shows was a police drama called 'Dragnet.' The show focused on the work and lives of two detectives. One of the detectives was Joe Friday. I admired him because he would never jump to conclusions. He was known for saying to victims and witnesses, "just the facts mam, just the facts." Oh how we need that kind of thinking today. Most of our nation gets its news and information from one of the major news organizations. Unfortunately, they no longer provide 'just the facts.' The news media today is filled with reporting that operates from a point of speculation and agenda. When information isn't available or missing, the blanks are filled in with agenda driven speculation. We are no longer provided with the facts.
In our own lives, are we guilty of agenda driven speculation? Do we do as the media does and pass on information filled with conjecture or theory? Do we assume that we know why our partner or family member did or said something? Do we fill in the blanks by hypothesizing, guessing or surmising based on what we want to believe or convey? Lets think, speak and listen with a determination to rely on just the facts, just the facts. It will require being honest with ourselves and others. Speculation is misleading. Honesty is based on fact and genuine love. Just the facts mam, just the facts!
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