Since the turn of the century, our government has come to resemble a no-tell motel. In those establishments, the shady guests come and go, and the management remains mum as to their identities. In the government, the stories come and go, and the management plays the same hush-hush game.

Here are just a few of the stories in the last four years alone that made the radar and then either disappeared or remain unexplained.

Origins of COVID-19: We’re still in the dark. So many lies and misconceptions were spread by the government and the media that the full story of this ruinous pandemic has yet to be determined.

Our No-Border Border: Under the Biden administration, untold millions of illegal immigrants have streamed into the United States, collecting benefits and overtaxing the resources of cities around the country. Meanwhile, no one in government ever explains to the rest of us why our country is allowing this invasion.

Bill Gates in Overalls: This billionaire now owns about 270,000 acres of American farmland, making him the largest single landowner in America. He takes an “Aw, shucks” attitude toward these acquisitions, claiming he just wants to help boost farming. Whatever the case, it might behoove Mr. Gates to read Leo Tolstoy’s short story “How Much Land Does a Man Need?”

Chinese Farms: Chinese companies own about 384,000 acres of American farmland. Some in our government regard that as a security threat, but little is done about it. According to the same report, via Forbes, companies in 17 other countries actually own more of our farmland than does China. Doesn’t anyone think there’s a problem here?

The Epstein Files: In August 2019, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein died in prison under suspicious circumstances while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. Many questions remain, but two in particular should haunt us: How did a sleazeball like Epstein attract so many of the rich and famous? Was it his charming personality, or did they share Epstein’s predilection for sex with minors?

Climate Change: Agencies throughout the federal government push climate change as irrefutable fact. Having already spent billions to research and fight climate change, the U.S. government in the next 10 years is slated to spend another $500 billion on this “threat.” Yet never does the government sit down by way of television with the American people and go through the data that conclusively shows evidence of climate change. In fact, more than 1,600 scientists have signed a declaration stating that this “emergency” is a myth.

Congressional Earmarks: Here’s one story many have never even heard of. OpenTheBooks.com reports on this congressional practice of pork-barrel projects, which is little more than another form of corruption. American taxpayers, for instance, are paying millions of dollars to well-endowed universities favored by politicians, yet what should be major news is not even a blip on the radar.

On and on it goes. The Nashville shooter’s manifesto? Still under wraps. Federal agents involved in the January 6 “insurrection” in the Capitol? No real answers. Biden family corruption? Lots of evidence, but again, no real action.

The consequences of this secrecy and deception are predictable. The great majority of Americans no longer put much faith in their government. Search online for “American distrust of government,” and you’ll find a slew of sites, from ultra-liberal to ultra-conservative, all lamenting the widespread decline of Americans’ respect for their institutions and those who work within them.

With some justification, a lot of people blame mainstream media for this mess. Too many of our reporters have gone from news hounds to lapdogs, cozying up to politicians and bureaucrats to get a pat on the head. Others are simply lazy or inept, preferring to do their reporting based on information gleaned from their computers and phones rather than on old-fashioned legwork.

The American people must also bear some responsibility for the sad state of our republic. Distracted by our playthings—social media, pornography, entertainment, and sports—and drawn to frivolous news rather than real threats to our democracy, we continue to reelect men and women to office who place their own interests and agendas ahead of the welfare of the country.

There is one bright spot in all these coverups and deceptions, however. Those stats on distrust in government indicate that Americans are waking up to the falsehoods and corruption in government. If we stay awake, and if we pay attention, we can make a difference in the next elections.

In the meantime, we can educate ourselves and our children on the history, customs, and values of our country. September 17 is Constitution Day, which affords the perfect opportunity to study the document that serves as the basis of our liberty and our many successes. We can make an effort, however small, to keep an eye on our elected officials—local, state, and federal—and make our support or dissent known to them. The energetic might even consider running for positions on the city council or school board.

Light enough such candles, and the darkness of deceit will not prevail.

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Image credit: Pexels