Smoking Trees in Belize: The Most Honest Man in America?


Wednesday, May 14, 2008

The Most Honest Man in America?

Honesty is the most desirable trait one could be known for. For some
it is elusive, for others it comes naturally. One can only get a
tenuous grasp on what is honest and what is dishonest. Oftentimes, the
exact moment when truth ends and fiction begins is impossible to
discern. For public figures, the brand of “honest” is coveted, yet
extremely difficult to attain. Given the wide range of public opinion,
it is nearly impossible for the public figure to maintain a reputation
for honesty. Partisan smears, disputed facts, and extensive media
coverage create an atmosphere where lies abound, but true honesty does
not. Each of the below gentlemen is notable in their profession for
their honesty. Certain professions, journalism and politics, are
constantly wrapped in an ideological debate that render liars of all.
Therefore, Mr. Woodward and Mr. Powell serve as shining examples in
contentious professions.

Sir Charles cuts the crap like few in recent memory. Whether he’s calling out Conservatives, or labeling Star Jones a “cougar,” the buck stops with Chuck.

Bob
Woodward teamed with Carl Bernstein while the two worked at the
Washington Post to expose the crimes of the Nixon administration.
Twice, Woodward was a part of Pulitzer Prize winning work, and is
regarded as the leading journalist of his time. His reputation for
honesty is buffeted by the fact that he was true to his word. Unwilling
the expose his source of the Watergate info, Woodward and Bernstein
dubbed their man “Deep Throat,” and kept their lips sealed for over 30
years. Finally in 2006 FBI man Mark Felt revealed himself. Woodward’s
esteem as a journalist, and keeping his word despite considerable
pressures, makes him one of the most honest men in America.

Colin
Powell is one the most highly regarded public servants in the last 20
years. The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former
Secretary of State built a career on integrity. Powell’s reputation
suffered in 2003 when he was tasked by the White House to address the
United Nations Security Council on the case for a second Iraq war. Once
it became clear that much of the intelligence was faulty, many wondered
whether Powell was complicit in the shady practices of W’s tight inner
circle. Powell’s later admission that the incident was “a blot,” on his reputation only reinforces the initial perception of integrity. One will rarely find a more powerful man, so honest.

Ed
Hochuli is widely known as one the better officials in the NFL. Admired
for his guns, respected for his calls, Hochuli has been named in Best Lawyers of America, every
year since 2003. In the NFL’s grade system, officials are rewarded
postseason assignments based on their merit. Hochuli’s work in 2 Super
Bowls and numerous playoff games speaks for itself. Respected by
players, and partner in a successful law firm, a lot of people trust Ed
Hochuli.

2
comments:


Mac G
said…

I am going to have to disagree with you on Woodward. I admired the
guy my whole life and met him a speech once in college. His whole Bush
at War book was absolute pro war propaganda garbage and the Bush team
promoted the book on the re election campaign. this is where the George
Tenet slam dunk line came from.

Then when the war went south,
he wrote about that, which pissed of the Admin. My biggest reason for
losing respect for Woodward was his role in the whole Valerie Plame
affair. He would go on pundit shows and downplay the whole incident.
Then it turns out later, he knew her identity the whole time and was
indirectly involved.

Do some googling and you can read all about it.

http://forwardamerica.blogspot.com/2008/04/plame-case.html


Johnny Utah
said…

good call. i understand his silence about the valerie plame incident though.