Lying is not simply a personal flaw of Donald Trump and his followers. Lying is an essential element in ANY worldview seeking to dominate others.
There is a reason why power hungry “patriots” consider honest history to be treason. There is a reason why cruel moralists seeking to rule over others consider honest science and critical thinking to be heresies before God.
Almost by definition, power seeking people assume anyone smarter or more creative than they is a threat to their designs. And, tragically, in their narcissism power seeking people often confuse their own wants with the will of God.
Truth and beauty are the ultimate fears of tyrants because they awaken the human mind and heart. Even in our most fearful hours humanity has been illumined by brave scientists and artists armed only with a love of truth and beauty.
Truth and beauty can illumine our lives even in this bleak hour. As one Jewish rabble rouser once reminded his followers, “You are the light of the world. Do not put your light under a bowl, but on a stand for all to see.” Translation: “When surrounded by lies, seek truth. When drowning in ugliness, create beauty. And, when surrounded by cruelty, embody compassion.”