US Politics

The Web she Weaves!

The things we know

Remembering my father’s own words – those who lie, or who otherwise could be accused of being economic with the truth, need to have a remarkable memory. I would also add that people who for whatever reason are prepared to do and say anything to achieve their goals will eventually be “hoist by their own petard!” I love saying that once every 20 years or so. I last said it when suggesting the removal of an Australian Prime Minister in the 80’s. In the context of what I had to say – the media liked it too. After all, who wants to simply say when you’re all fired up ” Begone – sack him – toss him out ” – Nothing exciting about that!

It is a matter of simple logic. After a while, individuals who lie on a regular basis can no longer distinguish truth from pure fantasy. As a result,a lie, given enough undisputed time, can in the mind of the person who perpetuates it, actually become their truth. It’s a bit like maturing a fine wine or a good steak, lies get glossier, they suppose much more derring do. e.g.” We arrived under a hail of sniper fire” It’s all a matter of ageing. The story gets better in the retelling over time. For a politician these are wonderful word images to implant in the public perception.

Bosnia Arrival – Clinton’s Bosnia lie becomes her truth!

Video play – 1min 51sec

A myth over time becomes a reality

Remember that famous line from the movie ” The man who shot Liberty Valance” spoken by the local newsman “Maxwell Scott” to “Ransom Stoddard” (the lead character played by James Stewart) who on his return to the town 40 years later as a highly respected US Senator, was told, when he asked the newsman, ” So you’re not going to use the story Mr Scott”? No, sir. Scott replied. ” This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact – print the legend.”

History is usually written by the victors. Lies like some myths can create wonderful images.That is, until they are exposed or revealed for what they really are. Who among us still believes in Santa Claus? I do. Why not? Who still believes in Hillary Clinton? Now that’s an interesting distinction between a myth and a lie. From its conception, a lie usually has a specific target and an immediate objective. Sometimes disguised to resemble a “parry”, [sidestepping an attack by changing the subject etc] or a “riposte”, [cleverly avoiding the question or criticism by attacking the questioner on a different matter in response]. Both are tactics familiar to Hillary Clinton.

In the dark mindset of those responsible for a political campaign in decline, a political lie is often created to infer, or to insinuate with the goal of demeaning or defaming an opponent for any last vestige of political momentum. Sound familiar? If I keep this up no one will take my word for anything from now on. How do I know this stuff? Such behaviour is not by any means the exclusive province of just devious and unscrupulous politicians, though in that domain some are more practised in the art than others. As revealed in my article “The Status Quo” – smear is the paint of the political artist.

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