"...in sickness and in health..."
"...the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth..."
"...uphold and defend the Constitution..."
Wedding vow, sworn testimony, oath of office. Which of these three commonly made promises would you say is most routinely broken? Most commonly kept?
Though I'm not a reflexively cynical or negative person, recent personal and public events have tested my innate optimism and lifelong belief that people can be trusted to stand by their public declarations. I'm not proud of feeling this way. At the same time, I'm reasonably sure my malaise will pass.
In the meanwhile, I'm paying a lot more attention to my own words, especially promises I make. Because in the end, I'm only as good as my word.
I'd bet #2 was most routinely broken.... but that's just a guess!
ReplyDeleteAlison; Thanks for the comment. Given how many people get married vs. ever testify in court, I'd be inclined to guess the first promise is broken more often because of how many people run away from a marriage when their partner gets very ill. But, that's also just a guess and beside the point of this post anyway. This reflection is more about being a person who is true to his/her word, something you have already proven to be excellent at.
DeletePat,
ReplyDeleteWhile all 3 have surely been broken on more than a few occasions, I would have to go with #2 also. I like to believe that #1 is intact for those that truly want it. And #3, well we've recently seen how that can be broken. And how easily.
I';m choosing #2 as I have difficulty understanding how it can ever be proven that someone may have done something other than given 'the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth'. As they believe it. As long as someone can make (influence?... convince?) another into believing that what they're saying is the truth ... well ...
Be well,
Bob
Bob; Thanks for comment. Since you are in agreement with my cherished daughter, I have nothing to add. You are in the best of company.
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