It seems self-evident that failing to do the hard work of determining facts and seeking truth does grievous harm to individuals, communities, and the nation. Years ago, former U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan revived a statement originally attributed to former American statesman and economist James R. Schlesinger that we ought to remind ourselves of every day: "We are entitled to our own conclusions, but not our own facts."

During a conversation a few months ago, and in a fit of pique, an individual with whom I was engaged declared that there are no facts. I wonder if many other Americans share his viewpoint. And if that's the case, is it one of the reasons that compromise seems to have become a four-letter word?

Two individuals can look at the same phenomenon and experience quite different emotional responses and reach differing conclusions. But two people should not observe the same event and ignore facts and definitions in order to arrive at purely self-serving decisions.

We have all been taught that distorting the truth is unacceptable. George Washington is purported to have said, "I cannot tell a lie." As quaint as that statement seems in our current historical context, it will always have the ring of what is right and good to many Americans. I am reminded of a prayer said by children in a certain elementary school: Let me........

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