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The hometown paper is usually good about printing my rants and diatribes.
To Tell the Truth What if you were called as a witness in court and learned that you would not be required to take an oath to tell the truth? You would therefore not be subject to any penalties for perjury if you didn't tell the whole truth. Or even if you flat out just lied. And what if truthful answers to some of the questions you knew you would be asked might get you into some serious trouble? Just out of a sense of self preservation, most of us would heave a sigh of relief and say whatever we thought would keep us out of trouble. That's exactly what's happening in congressional committee hearings in our nation's capitol these days. Last November, a joint session of the Senate Energy and Commerce committees was held to "investigate" the reasons for high oil and gasoline prices, and unprecedented oil company profits. Oil company CEOs from Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, BP, Conoco, and Shell were not required to testify under oath. The Democrats on the committees wanted the witnesses to take an oath to tell the truth. It would have taken about a minute to swear all the witnesses, en masse. It would also have made them subject to the laws of perjury. The Republicans somehow did not think this was necessary. The Republicans outnumber the Democrats. No oath was given. Just a few days ago, U. S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales "testified" before the Senate Intelligence committee about alleged illegal wiretapping by branches of the Bush administration. Committee Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R. PA) made a point of not requiring that Mr. Gonzales furnish sworn testimony. The Democrats on the committee wanted the witness to take an oath to tell the truth. It would have taken less than a minute to swear him in. It would also have made him subject to the laws of perjury. The Republicans somehow did not think this was necessary. The Republicans outnumber the Democrats. No oath was given. So, if you ever have to appear in court, or in front of a congressional committee, just say "I'll do it the way my Attorney General did. No oath, thank you." And say whatever you want. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. (trof) Foley, AL
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