Swaim’s relief at end of a culture is outrageous

Barton Swaim tells us, “I find it hard to lament the quickening demise of the old honesty-based political culture.” (Jan. 7, Roundtable). This relief at the end of a culture (political, social, corporate or whatever) based on honesty is remarkable and outrageous.

Typical of the protests of the ‘60s, we hear what Swain laments, but we do not hear his alternative. But we can clearly imagine it: it is a culture based on something that is “dishonesty-based.” Wow. Who is this guy?

It’s too bad he chose to end his interesting commentary with that ridiculous logical conclusion, because what he is mainly saying is that Trump has simply expanded the hyperbole, mixed messages, distortion and omissions of typical political speeches sufficiently that we are forced to recall that every political speech has a vital element of theater, including the Gettysburg Address and Jimmy Carter’s fireside chats. But we all knew that, really.

What is “cheap and false” is not a culture based on honesty, but a political speech in which “expressing yourself with sincerity” is forgotten. Perhaps that is why the New York Times reminds us, “He (Swaim) may have been unsuccessful as a platitudinous speechwriter…”

Andy Hoye

Spokane