BS, Lies, and Spin

In an episode of Seinfeld. George, the consummate liar, was instructing Jerry how to beat the lie detector test. His admonishment, “if you believe, it isn't a lie.” That is the deal today. Has any candidate or their surrogate said anything other than the talking points of the campaign? The prime rule is to stay on message and ignore any inquiry that might lead to the actual facts. In modern day parlance, it is known as “spin.” It isn't a phenomenon of just the campaign. It is also the hallmark of all public pronouncements. In fact, public and private entities have a public relations specialist. Only when the proverbial crap hits the fan does the public get a modicum of the truth.

This current financial meltdown is as much a product of the unadulterated crap that came out of Bush White House. If you recall, the fundamentals of the economy were always strong. We are lead to believe that almost any major negative aspect on this globe is nothing to worry about. Thus the most horrific act of inhumanity can be massaged into a statement that makes the victims appear to be the responsible parties for the mayhem. The whole world is awash in “bs.” The sad thing is when the legitimate press attempts to ferret out the truth the liars get even more time to fill the air with their spin. You never get anything but talking points. No one believes this crap. Even if a reporter insists on the truth, it get them no where. How this nonsense continues defies reason. We are creating a world that even Orwell would find it difficult to write about.

The problem, in a nutshell, is as much or more time spent crafting a position than dealing with the truth. We live in a world where responsible parties are sticking to talking points. Thus, a conservative or a press representative can get on the air and talk about whatever it is that will cast the issue in a positive light. No matter the issue or the problem, we get spin and little else. As for McCain, he rails against greed while conveniently forgetting about the Savings and Loan corruption and his role in creating it. He castigates Obama for his lack of experience and yet defends his choice of Sarah Palin. “The most popular governor in the country.” “The chief executive of the largest state.” “The proximity of Alaska is sufficient experience in the area of international issues.” And all of this said with a straight face and a demeanor than lets anyone know that to question him is to be subject to his wrath.

What bugs me about this simplistic and devious projection is what the candidate carries forward to his administration. The most striking thing about the presidential debate for me is the arrogance of this old and tired man. He is a difficult, cankerous, opinionated frat boy who is hell bent on proving to his dead father than he can cut the muster. This Oedipus complex is again rearing its tragic head again in our lives.

As for McCain being a Maverick, one has to look a bit deeper into the meaning of this word. He is a maverick all right: a wild and untamed beast that carries a great deal of aggression. He doesn't attempt to reason with a person. No, McCain's way is to misrepresent the facts and to portray himself as some grand patriot and gift to the nation and the world. When in fact, he is petty, argumentative, and pugnacious. He is dangerous because he believes he is right. And for Sarah Palin? Well, she speaks for herself.