Like our president and his administration. Their lies are for selfish reasons--oil, greed, politics, and power. There was a lot of hype about the war, all the talk of WMD and terrorists, and linking Saddam to September 11. Are these the kind of examples you mean, John, the category of lies that are really huge that end up harming people?
But no.
Instead, Zahn asked if there are any 'red flags' to indicate if a person is lying.
Then, Mr. Walters said something so elementary it was stunning: 'And we have to remember that a lie is only successful under one condition""somebody has to believe it.'
Now, this would have been the perfect opportunity for Zahn to talk about the majority of Americans who believed George W. in the buildup to war in Iraq and those who continue to believe him. Had she said something at that exact moment, she could have redeemed herself as a serious journalist.
Instead, Zahn asked Walters if some of the liars might possibly have 'underlying problems?'
Well, we already know the answer to this. Of course. And Mr. Walters elaborated:
Typically, with a chronic liar we often refer to them as pathological liars"emotional flaws"personality disorder"a pattern""they start out thinking they can control the lie. But in the long run, the lie winds up controlling them. And one lie begets three more"And they can't find their way out of the maze.
Now, this would have been the perfect time for Zahn to reference the maze of lies the president negotiates as he talks about Iraq, Iran and, then, when he decides to invade Syria.
But no.
Instead, Zahn eventually ended the segment with: 'Hopefully you educated a couple of us out there so we can spot them next time"'
Spot them? Spot them? So many of us have spotted them, plotting within the Beltway where their lies have resulted in the deaths of 2,376 Americans troops, injured almost 17,500 soldiers, and destroyed thousands of Iraqis, their cities and civilization.
Zahn never mentioned any of this.
Now, Paula, on a personal note, I like you. I think you'd love to bring us real news. I wish you would. You should join CODEPINK. You'd look pretty in pink. And I know in my heart you would like to be one of the many women saying no to war.
Throw off those corporate shackles, Paula Zahn. Now. Don't let anyone at CNN tie your tongue. Because the number of casualties must be spoken and cannot be said too often.
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