Commentary by TrueDialog.org's Founder, Carl Lindemann

August 23 - Summer Break, Marking the Passing of Michael Deaver

Checking in from some time out enjoying a cool, bright Maine summer. 

These past few days mark the passing of Reagan aide Michael Deaver. As his National Public radio obituary noted, Deaver was "an expert at media manipulation" and was known "for focusing on how the president looked as much as what the president said." It is interesting comparing this news perspective with that offered by Edelman Worldwide, the public relations firm he served since 1992: 

"He immediately elevated our standing in the public affairs arena and gave us instant credibility, enabling us to take on the toughest public relations challenges," 

Just because Deaver spent his life spinning appearances doesn't mean that he himself bought into the images he created. Check these interesting observations on the 2006 midterm - his accurate predictions before, and this look-ahead after. This bears out the truth of Plato's observation (or was it Socrates' own???) that to effectively carry out deception requires being free from self-deception. 

What does it mean if those who choose to operate by deceit in the public arena do so knowingly, willingly and deliberately? 

***

What is Authenticity?

The Wages of Spin   Project Spin Shop

Ideas & Essays   Spin Shops, State by State

All materials on this website are copyright © 2007 by TrueDialog.org. All rights reserved.