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Oh, How They Lie!
Elberon, NJ May 10, 2000
Aaron H. Schectman
THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then. Opinions pro or con are welcome.
OH, HOW THEY LIE!
President Clinton does it regularly and expertly. Sometimes it seems he
lies strangely but he does it with panache. His lying does not seem to
lessen his effectiveness in national politics or popularity. His being a
"charismatic" liar seems to work in his favor. He does not blush or stammer
or seem uncomfortable. While lying with presidential skill he still is in
charge. This may change when he becomes a private citizen next January when
his slathering enemies will not wait to attack him when his defenses will
have weakened as his shield of office drops away.
On the other hand, presidential candidates Bush and McCain lied
significantly yesterday. Neither seemed jubilant as they joined politically
to mend Republican fences. It was not the best of times putting their past
negative charges against each other to rest. Putting the best face on it
they lovingly danced together while only a short time before they belabored
each other as liars, prevaricators and men of bad faith. We now witness
their protestations of love for each other as they skip gingerly around the
fact that they lie through their teeth.
It is patently clear that America believes the Democrats are all liars like
their leader, Clinton. They also believe the Republicans, by contrast, are
always truthful like Bush and McCain. At least, this is what the press, the
media and the general public perennially seems to conclude. Let it be
clearly understood. All politicians lie. They believe their own rhetoric.
They also believe their opponents are liars and if what they say is not lies
their versions of the truth must be suspect - because it is the opposition
that says it. It is a grand feast of verbiage that by virtue of its mass
obfuscates and overwhelms honesty, clarity and truth. Oh, how they lie!
Who or whom or what do you believe?
Carol's Evaluation: 10 out of 10
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