“Not only did I lie about lying, but I lied about lying about lying. And you’d better believe that’s the truth.
”
― Jarod Kintz
By a lie, a man…annihilates his dignity as a man.
Immanuel Kant
Aging & Attitude
There is a conversation going on in my head, not a monologue – talking to yourself.
It is a dialogue. Something like this:
“Is it a crime to lie?”
“Depends. If you’re asked, ‘Does this dress make me look fat?’ It would be a death sentence or life without parole, and just stupid, to say anything but no.”
“So, a white lie, something small and insignificant is okay? Not like Lance Armstrong, Casey Anthony or that woman in Phoenix, Arizona, well she lied but decided to tell the truth, not really the truth, a different lie about the truth.”
“Lying under oath, perjury, is a crime, however Anthony worked briefly for a company that worked for Universal Studios and wasn’t being investigated when she lied. Armstrong told Oprah he didn’t believe he was cheating or committing a crime and considered doping necessary to level the playing field and lying was the right choice.”
“So it’s okay to lie.”
“Well, kind of, the Supreme Court recently ruled on the subject of lying – Xavier Alvarez sued saying it was a violation of American’s First Amendment, our freedom of speech for him not to be able to say he was a Medal of Honor recipient. He won.
“Lying to the public was a crime, look at Nixon and Watergate”
“Clinton, too – they were presidents, held to a higher standard.”
“Although it’s a lie, Xavier Alvarez can say he won a Medal of Honor, but Casey Anthony can’t say she worked at Universal Studies during an investigation, if she was read her rights.”
“What about Manti Te’o, can he lie about having a girlfriend.
“Well Manti Te’o wasn’t lying, he didn’t know the truth.” 
“But had he known the truth it would be his First Amendment right to lie. Remember that indie movie, “Lars and the Real Girl”.
“Blame Voltaire, he said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it.”
“I thought that meant the individual’s right to express an opinion and question others. Voltaire didn’t say I will defend your right to lie.”
“The actual quote is, ‘We have a natural right to make use of our pens as of our tongue, at our peril, risk and hazard‘. ~Voltaire, Dictionnaire Philosophique, 1764- consequences were included.”
claudiajustsaying 
Some through provoking questions here….
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Very good blog Claudia. Yes, white lie or black lie – a lie is a lie. I tried to teach my
children not to lie. Lying is not worth it!!! it -servces no purpose. If you can’t do something just say “Sorry I can not be at the meeting, party or whatever” One does not have to make up a lie to say why they cannot be there. Liars, cheats and people that steal low on my list of friends. It only take one time to never trust that person again.
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Glenda, Well said, back to simple. Claudia
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Wow, I love the way your mind works……coming full circle to the answer…..
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Mary, My mind is working? Thanks for thinking so. Claudia
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Claudia, Thoughts much on my mind as well. Armstrong will never be redeemed as far as I can see. To lie, to continue lying for HOW many years? Condemn and harrass his friends and competitors for endeavoring to unveil a conspiracy. I believe in forgiveness but I have not one shred of compassion for him and i truly believe his worst punishment is that he is prohibited from competing…on any level ..anywhere, anytime…drug free or not. Who would cheer if he won? Even on a one block tricycle race. He’s despicable in my view and still unrepentant. call me a mean ass but Lance armstrong deserves whatever misery he receives. What an arrogant jerk. How can he possibly say it levels the playing field to take drugs and lie. I hope he suffers for his deception even if he remains a rich man. Will his children love and admire him? Mean ole nena
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Nena,
The world needs more of your passion. Love this, “one block tricycle race” . You’re not “mean” just speaking truth, Voltaire is cheering.
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I agree, I love how you took us on a journey and then brouhgt us back to the core of the issue… “It’s still wrong.” 🙂
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Susan, Thank you!
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To Lie or not to lie, that is the question? Does one know they are Lying if they are not sure. Then, is it up to you or me to decide if we tell then we think it is a lie?? “Lance” did they know he lied or were they afraid he lied then refused to acknowlede he might have lied.. Only “One” really knows.. I have a special friend hidden in my closet but I haven’t seen her in a yerr but she leaves me notes .. Is there a problem with that and who cares really!!!
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MB, Only if you are lying…just saying, Claudia
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Claudia – You are getting very deep on your blogs these days. I miss your humerous side!
Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:18:33 +0000
To: safetysmart71@hotmail.com
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Marsha, I miss my humerous side too, there is some humor between the lines. Claudia
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