I know we’ve been here before, but I really need to make a point.

I have noticed lately that I spend a great deal of time sorting through my social media and shaking my head. There are a couple of problems and I’m hoping you can help me out.

First, people hit that send button before giving any thought to the veracity of what they’re sharing. Now, before you go jumping to conclusions, I care not on which side of the political aisle you reside. Here in America we have a right to our opinions and beliefs. Free speech and all. Still, I wish there was a tiny little clause in our Constitution that said lying is just not acceptable.

Lying and/or disinformation comes in many forms. The first is outright falsehoods. It is rather frightening that in this day and age when the answers to just about every question one might ask are at our fingertips, we still  can’t manage to tell the truth. The problem is way too many of us simply repeat what were told because we agree with what’s being said. Come on. Aren’t we better than that? What’s wrong with checking facts and sources? It’s really easy. Where did the information originate. Is it a reputable source or some troll living in mommy’s basement. Can reliable sources corroborate the information? Does the writer have an agenda? Does the writer actually exist? Sometimes, false information comes in the form of a blurb from someone on social media and a quick check often shows that person has no posts or friends. That’s a hint, yes? A tipoff that should makes us consider, “Gosh! Why would some non-person want me to share this? Hummmm?”

Also, let’s talk about photographs. I’m extremely concerned about all the “cute” pictures that show wild animals nose-to-nose with human beings. The recent shot of a firefighter crouched down in front of a full-grown mountain lion was especially disturbing. A frightened wild animal would never behave in this manner. These creatures will run from people, not to them to be cuddled like a kitten or a stuffed animal.

Now, you’re probably thinking, “Gee, Anne. What’s the harm in passing around these darling AI- generated photos?” My answer? It’s the message they send. You know, like it’s okay to walk up to a wild bear, reach out, and give it a pat on the head. Or to handle those cute baby animals while mommy looks on. Or to grab that shark as it glides by. Please! In most of these cases, you’re looking at getting your face rearranged. Wild animals are not like those in a petting zoo. The term “wild” should be a clue.

Another issue is what these photos say to young people who are not yet discerning enough to question what they see. All the pictures of “mermaids” washed up on beaches are particularly disturbing. I was appalled when so many of my high school students looked at me like I was crazy when I pointed out that mermaids are just mythical creatures. Really.

 What is truly sad is the doctoring of pictures to give animals fake traits. No, owls do not fly around with their babies on their backs. Baby peacocks do not flaunt the lovely feathers adult birds do, because if they did they’d just be advertising their existence and end up as somebody’s lunch. And that seahorse picture you just shared shows the animal with a bird’s head. And yet, thousands of people pass these images around. Which makes me ask, “Why?” Isn’t Mother Nature magnificent enough without our help?

So I’ve come to a tough conclusion. I have tried to gently inform people that they have perhaps, accidentally, shared faulty information. I’ve provided the truth for them to see. But some of my social-media friends don’t seem to be learning. As a former teacher, this makes me sad. And, gosh, there is so much misinformation that I just can’t keep up. So, from here on out, I will just have to say goodbye to some people. And please don’t pretend it’s because I disagree with your politics or beliefs. As long as you have truth to back you up, I’m happy to see your side of the story. If not, we’re breaking up. Please don’t take it personally.

I wish you well, but you’re giving me a headache.

Your Forgotten Sons

Inspired by a true story

Anne Montgomery

Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to a Graves Registration Company, where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?

Release Date: June 6, 2024

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