DEAR EDITOR:
When a statement is made with the deliberate intent to deceive,
it is not done just to redirect or just to control the opinions of
the audience, but out of contempt for their opinions.
DEAR EDITOR:
When a statement is made with the deliberate intent to deceive, it is not done just to redirect or just to control the opinions of the audience, but out of contempt for their opinions. It is for this reason that deceit is chosen over presumption by factual debate. The lie also deprives the audience of their dignity and autonomy by depriving them of their freedom to choose rationally and make an informed decision.
Though there have been many lies told recently. There is one that has hung on with the help from the wrong side of reason. To wit:
• Los Angeles, July 30, a jury has returned a verdict of guilty of fraud, in a civil lawsuit against the investment firm of Simon & Sons, founded by William (Bill) Simon Jr., his father and brothers. The Republican candidate for governor, Bill Simon, was not named in the lawsuit.
• Sept. 12th, Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant rejected the civil jury’s verdict stating that “… the court does not set a jury’s guilty verdict lightly. But substantiated evidence does not support the fraud claim …” The judge’s decision to overturn the verdict, rather than ordering a new trial was an unusual move, so there is a greater chance of reversal on the appeal.
• In his Oct. 30th column, Mr. Taylor referred to the July verdict against Bill Simon’s family firm in the context of an opinion that the Republican party had dropped the ball when they chose Simon over Riordan.
• Nov. 1 in Ms. Cynthia Walker’s column, she falsely alleged that the “… Davis’ commercials keep saying that Bill Simon was found guilty of fraud … the court completely exonerated Bill Simon of that false charge.” She also alleged that Mr. Taylor had made same claim against her candidate Bill Simon.
• In his Nov. 6th column Mr. Taylor responded to Ms. Walker’s allegation and passed on a chance, to directly call her a liar.
• In her Nov. 11th letter to the editor, Ms. Walker passed on the chance to show a little dignity and apologize for her allegation even calling it a mistake, or whatever. By trying to save face, Ms. Walker only compounded the issue. Rewriting her Nov. 1st allegation, that Mr. Taylor “… again repeats the statement that Bill Simon’s firm were … completely exonerated of being sued by the judge.” Wherever Ms. Walker got the idea that Bill Simon the candidate was being sued, along with his firm, and then was exonerated, remains a mystery.
Ms. Walker attempted to prove something, but what? “Mr. Taylor and his favored candidate Gray Davis prefer to use half-truths, to persuade voters. I prefer the truth, the whole truth, so help me, God.”
Maybe Ms. Walker should reread Exodus 20:7 and 16.
Harold Williams, Hollister
Submitted Thursday, Nov. 21
