Waxing on Perception and Reality

Heard some more political discussion tonight...the question was "Is there more than just perception or will any of his promises actually translate into reality?" The answer was "Don't forget, in politics perception is reality." Not the first time we have heard that cliche' to be sure but it got me to thinkin.'
Imagine that!
Is perception reality? And if it is how far does that reality go? The mind? Some false sense of security or hope in hope alone? Or can perception change reality? I think in politics, people's perception can actually change reality, at least in the short term because if a candidate convinces the majority that he is and he can then they will vote and elect him/her. That would be a reality. But the greater realities would still remain. The problems would still be unsolved. We would still have to fund all the promised programs while also cutting taxes. We would still have many without health insurance and many who could not afford college. We would still have hate and war and crime and all other sorts of wickedness. That is much more serious and long-term reality.
Of all the world leaders in all of world history, none have been able to solve all the problems. None have been able to deliver to the "have nots" what the "haves" have. Only one leader in world history has done what the prophets said He would do and what He said He would do. And He was far from a politician!
Only one leader gave what no other has been willing to give, His life, and then He took it up again. Only one leader lived a sinless life, died a criminal's death and rose victorious as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Everything He said is true and all that He promises he delivers...now that is reality. And although perception can be deceiving, there is coming a day when the reality of Jesus Christ will be known to all.
2 Peter 3
This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
Now that is going to be some Change You Can Believe In!