A Lesson in Deceit: Admit, Thank, Boast, Repent, Move On

In a country of notorious political correctness and the ever present fear of engagement, it is no surprise that we have also been an incubator for the strangest form of deceit.

Rather than a mere lie, the art of bullshit has evolved to new heights. Princeton philosopher Harry Frankfurt's essay On Bullshit is a good introduction to the bullshitter who, unlike a liar, is "interested solely in advancing their own agendas, have no use for the truth."

A recent article by Susan Delacourt helps explain how to "Get Through a Controversy in Five Easy Steps". It could serve as an apology for the continual ambivalence we Canadians have paid to the controversies gushing out of the House of Commons in the past few years - simply put we lost the ability to actively complain because each transgression was acknowledged and laughed off by the defendant themselves.

In essence, "Admit, Thank, Boast, Repent, Move On." So before we Canadians even have a chance to get outraged, the controversy has been buried and labelled old news. And those that protest, well, they risk being social pariah bringing up yesterday's joke.

Gerry Nicholls, is a Conservative spin-doctor, whose use of this tactic has led to some calling him a "brilliant strategist". In other words, this communications consultant and former senior officer in the National Citizens Coalition, is an expert in bullshit. Recently Mr. Nicholls wrote on the threat to democracy in Canada, he basically laughs off "pundits who keep warning us about how the politicians in Ottawa are slowly eroding away our traditional parliamentary democratic institutions" and concludes that "Canadians have the power to regularly vote in federal elections." Now that is mighty rich coming from someone whose website advertises his ability to "Design media campaigns on a limited budget that will help sway public opinion."

Bullshit aside, I recently read an old op-ed by George Soros talking about the need for a strong commitment to the pursuit of truth as a means of having a functioning democratic society. Resisting the urge to cry to the originality Gods for yet another idea I had previously deemed my eureka moment being put in print, I present for your reading pleasure, "From Karl Popper to Karl Rove and Back".

And, Mr. Nicholls is right about one thing, we can vote. So what's the excuse?

UPDATE: Check out LeadNow. This group promotes democracy through strengthened communities.