Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is considering developing tools that equip America’s children to discern truth from lies, and know when they’re being deluged with misinformation. The goal is laudable. However, expecting the government to obtain the goal is foolhardy.

Cal Thomas challenged Mayorkas to fact-check his recent claim — the southern border is closed. Thomas said simultaneously with that assertion, news pictures showed people flooding the border in waves. Therefore, should children believe him or their lying eyes? Their eyes, however, it’s imperative to embrace that concept in every realm.

Thomas presented politicians from each party, multiplying mendacities. President Clinton sought to mask his culpability for his Monica Lewinsky dalliance. George W. Bush lied to justify his war mongering against bogeyman Saddam Hussein. President Lyndon Johnson lied — embarrassed, that with America’s immense armaments, the country couldn’t defeat Vietnam.

Desperate for human cannon fodder, the U.S. lowered induction standards to increase the personnel pool for deployment. President Richard Nixon lied about engineering, and then covering up, the Watergate crime. Nixon resigned, the only president smeared with that stain. Sixty-nine people were indicted and 48 were convicted.

Malcolm X said, “One of the first things I think young people, especially nowadays, should learn is how to see for yourself and listen for yourself and think for yourself.”

Examine assertions with rigor. Then and only then, will the truth make one free.

Marc Greenwood, Camp Hill, Alabama

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