I hate catch phrases that relate to excuses.

“This is the way it has to be” for example.
No, that’s not the way it has to be, That’s a lazy man’s excuse.

“It is what it is” is another bs line.
Nothing is what it is. It’s what we perceive it to be, not what it is.

For some reason, “(speak) truth to power” has been in my thoughts. It’s just amazing how bs this line is.

At one point, this line might actually have had relevance. If everyone agreed to what is truth, what is power, and what words mean, the whole sentence would be meaningful.

But, since speaking involves words and meaning, truth cannot be spoken. Words change so frequently that their truth isn’t absolute.

Is someone an undocumented worker, an illegal alien, or just an immigrant, for example.

The term ‘healthy’ is also questionable. Does someone consider themselves healthy, regardless of body weight? Healthy as that they don’t consume prescription or illegal drugs? Healthy as they have comorbidities under control? Healthy as compared to someone else?

The word “speak” is defunct.

Truth has, unfortunately, become subjective. My truth may not be the same as your truth. My god isn’t your god. My idea of healthy isn’t your idea.

Truth, or solid fact, is rare. Even if there is ‘truth’ it can change and, subjected to the variability of speaking, truth cannot be spoken.

Power is given.
People give power to Trump, for example. They voted for him or allowed him to play a significant part in their lives. All of the pregnant women who are taking Tylenol because of the announcement yesterday are giving Trump power.

They think that in some way they’re ‘speaking truth to power’ when they are surrendering their power to simply show that they are happy to abandon what they may have.

Power is subjective.
A parent may think a child has the power as the child has needs. The importance of feeding, caring, cleaning, and (hopefully) educating is dependent on the parent.

The child thinks that the parent has the power as the parent provides and without it, the child starves. She or he does not flourish.

“Speak truth to power” or just “truth to power” is just a simple and hollow rallying cry that, ultimately, means nothing.