You’ve Lost All Credibility
Jul 22nd, 2009 by Capsun
Image from: http://www.bendweekly.com/print/11074.html
Have you ever been in, heard of, or seen a situation where some public official went to great lengths to split hairs on an issue? You know, to the degree that “the truth” somehow becomes vague and relative, instead of firm and unwavering. Well, that really irks me.
I’m not saying I expect the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth – that would be too naive! But surely there must be some standard in our public discourse and for our public officials that is above splitting hairs and closer to the truth and being truthful. By splitting hairs to the extreme and basing the “truth” on a bunch of technicalities, it is no wonder some organizations in Hawaii have the reputations which they (unfortunately) but totally and justly deserve.
So to [Title redacted] [Name redacted] I say this:
Yes, you told the truth. And yes you technically did not tell a lie. But as far as I’m concerned, you have lost all credibility.
In a small place like Hawaii, with our interlocking business, cultural, and political circles, credibility is not something you want to lose. Your reputation goes very far here in helping or hindering your efforts. In business, this can be a career-ender. In politics, it can lead to uncomfortable conversations – like the ones elected officials have with voters every two years.
I feel it appropriate to again quote Nicole Kidman in the movie Australia, “Just because it is, doesn’t mean it should be.”
So be warned.
(Yes, I know this is indirect, but that’s on purpose. Just to be clear, someone has lost all credibility with me – and that is not a good thing!)
Mahalo!
Please note: The views expressed here are mine and mine alone. While I am employed by and affiliated with organizations and individuals, permission has neither been asked nor granted to write on the topics discussed here.
I’m intrigued here. I read this earlier this morning and thought wait I have to think about it. Well now it’s after work and I still have no clue who you are talking about. I respect that of course. I am anxious to see who and what you are referring to. I’m wondering if it has to do with our Governor and the Unions with all this talk about furloughs, etc. So I’m stumped. Very cryptic and someone is on your wrong side
Okay, is there a chance whoever you wrote this to will see it, because I have no clue. I wish I had a clue, but I don’t.
Thom and quilly: Sorry, I can’t say on this space who it is, but it bugged me so much that I had to write it. I actually named said person in my original draft, then decided that was too risky, then went with initials, and still thought that was too risky. While the person it is directed to would likely not read this blog, several people who do read Capsun’s Corner are likely to mention it.
Oh, and it’s not Governor Lingle nor the unions. If it was Gov. Lingle, I would have said her name. I’m not a union member (but I have been an HGEA member in the past), so I would have used their names, too. Sorry again for being cryptic. If I see you in person soon, I’ll let you in on the big secret.
Totally understood my friend. Something got you all a “twitter” ROFLMAO. I slay myself sometimes LOL