RHYME RANT
Truth Be Told?
A letter to elected officials everywhere, and a hopeful headline
Can’t you give me an answer that’s honest and true? Don’t lie to me! It’s enough that you
spin every fact, words misconstrue, alter the optics, stretch the truth.
The oath of office must be the glue that binds us together so trust can accrue,
to protect and defend the many and the few. This body of lies in everyone’s view
took over the White House and Washington too. Seems normal these days what once was taboo.
New legislation is long overdue! To rescue our freedoms what else can we do?
We must make it illegal to misconstrue, to lie cheat, and bribe. What would stop you
from supporting a bill for full peer review of leadership tweets before public view?
It isn’t too late, this isn’t a coup. Just do the right thing — it’s all up to you.
Author’s note: True story. Last year I wrote a letter to every elected official that I can vote for— local, state, and national — to ask them the following question: “What would prevent you from sponsoring or supporting a bill that would make it a crime for an elected official to lie to the public?”
I often write letters to these officials, and I always receive an answer eventually, even if it’s from a staffer. I’m satisfied with that even if sometimes I may not be crazy about the answer I receive.
However, this time, with this question, sent to about 15 officials whose voting district contains my partner and me, not a single one responded. Not a peep out of any of them.
Why do you suppose that might be? I’ll leave the reader to speculate about what’s more important to elected persons than the voters who put them in office.
But meanwhile, today I was both thrilled and encouraged to read the following headline in the Seattle Times:
It’s a start, a very good start. Whether or not this action was inspired by my letter I may never know, but it made my day anyway.
I would encourage each of you to write a similar letter to your elected officials. If they don’t respond, you have your answer and you must vote them out.
It’s time to put some honesty back into politics. It could start with making lying to the public a serious — and punishable — crime.
For more “Naked Truth” please check out our new publication, The Open Kimono, a safe place to spill your guts, expose your vulnerable side, let it all hang out.
Adelia Ritchie Shadowgnosis Governor Jay Inslee WA Governor’s Office
