Any compass always points true north and it is the basis of navigation. There is no alternate version of true north. Its direction is un-wavering and it is not controlled by a potentate or a politician.

We also have that true north inside our core values, within our psyches. Like a compass, these core values help us traverse through times of doubt. We have many role models, or maybe a certain faith that tugs at our hearts and souls, reminding us to be cognizant of that true north.

We instill those same core values to our sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to guide their paths forward. When passing these core values to the next generation, we also honor the ones who already fought these battles for us so that we don’t have to make the same mistakes again. They bequeathed these values to us so that we, and the next generation, will have better dreams, better lives, than what they endured.

This is why I speak loud and proud against those who have weaponized hate, against those who enable racism and lies, against those who vindictively cubby hole the least of our brethren into a state of angst or future oppression, and against those who minimize the resources of our Mother Earth. All this hate and ill will toward others must not prevail! We can’t go backwards.

Hate, hate-induced violence, enabling lies, purposeful minimization of others because they are different, weak, old, sick, or handicapped, are the very antithesis of that directional arrow that points true north in my moral compass. It is reprehensible that many allow and empower this new normal. These are all the fake north.

Are we teaching the next generation a fake north or a true north?