Opinion expresses belief, a point of view. It is a form of judgment, an evaluation or appraisal of an idea or concept. It is often proffered as a starting point of persuasion, a preliminary point open for discussion, but stressing a particular viewpoint. It is usually based on the evaluation of a number of factors, including the education and personal experience of the person stating the opinion. Opinion is thus formed over a period of time. A considered conjecture can then be applied to a number of situations arising during the course of one’s life. Although based on experience it can be, in effect, basic theorising from certain presumptions and guesswork on the part of the speaker or writer who proposes it.
To have any effect it must be trustworthy. The proposer of the opinion must have integrity. How often does one hear the phrase “Can we have your honest opinion”? Opinions are expected to have coherence, soundness and truthfulness. The writer or speaker is expected to have reputability. Honour and decency are required.
Thus, in making a proposition, one should be able to describe and explain the reasoning behind the particular belief. One should be able to show the work, the structure and the consistency in a line of thought.
That is not to say that one cannot change an opinion. Again, one can maintain integrity by showing a consistent form of reasoning as to why one has changed a point of view. If one can clearly explain why one has changed an opinion, then the matter of truthfulness remains consistent.
That explanation however, must be very clear. When a person has expressed a strong view over a period of time and in an instant adopts the completely opposing view, which is then repeated again and again, the reader or listener is entitled to suspect the integrity of that speaker or writer. Particularly when the change is without any proper explanation except by repetition of the new view, which is no explanation at all.
There is an opinion piece by the Journalist Martin Kettle in today’s edition of the Guardian Newspaper relating to Boris Johnson.
 |
| Martin Kettle |
I have respect for Mr. Kettle’s view in this instance. Mr Kettle would be placed on the left of the political spectrum, perhaps very much toward the centre than the very left. He was or is a fan of New Labour and ex-Prime Minister Blair, except as regards Mr. Blair’s war in Iraq and association with Mr Bush. In that matter he was consistent with his point of view. His views on the current Prime Minister are also consistent. He has never had much time for Boris Johnson.
 |
| John Pilger |
I note however that Mr Kettle has been described by another journalist for whom I have respect, Mr. John Pilger, as Mr Blair’s “most devoted promoter”. Mr Pilger, who would appear more to the left on the political spectrum, and once described Mr. Blair as a war criminal. Whether Mr Kettle would agree with that view is another matter, but there was agreement about the Iraq War. Both these journalists appear to be very consistent in their points of view, Mr Pilger, I suspect, is more hard line than Mr. Kettle, but both are clear in their reasoning for adopting a particular opinion. Indeed Mr Pilger, despite his more hard-line view has received many accolades for his work over that 50 years. Even those who would disagree with his point of view, admire the integrity of his work.
Mr. Kettle may not have received the same kind of recognition as Mr Pilger, but he has been consistent. He will show approval for some Conservative politicians as well as Labour, and will criticise Labour politicians as well as Conservative. He has a point of view about people based on how they behave, on what they say and do, and how they say and do it. The particular politics of an individual seems to be, for Mr Kettle, secondary to their character. I may be wrong, but from reading his articles, it is the impression I have formed, and there is nothing wrong about putting character before politics. It is not an injudicious thing to do.
As against all that, we have the matters before the United States Congress and certain people who at one time were part of the Trump entourage. Senator Lindsey Graham has vacillated over a number of issues. His colossal hypocrisy over the nomination of a Supreme Court Justice, as well his about face over responsibility for the riotous behaviour in the Capitol on 6th January, has shown him up to be a man of no character and zero integrity; yet he remains a Senator of the United States. Why all his constituency in South Carolina do not demand his resignation is beyond belief. Some have already started and signed a petition to that effect as long as four years ago, but nothing has transpired.
Mr Trump's Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany having previously claimed that Mr Trump was not a serious candidate for the Republican Party, and telling the White House Press Corps “I will never lie to you”, has repeatedly told lies and done a complete about face on her views of Mr Trump and the Republican party. She has exhibited a complete lack of character and zero integrity.
Senator Ted Cruz, who spent a year vilifying Donald Trump as a liar, is now his ardent supporter. This is a man who once said “Donald, you're a snivelling coward” during the primaries in 2016. We have no explanation for the about turn. Again, a man with no character and no integrity.
As for Marjorie Taylor Green, what can one say.
One could go on and on with current members of the United States Congress and various associates of the previous Executive Government administration. This is unfortunately par for the course in American Politics. It has been highlighted in numerous films beloved as classics of the Hollywood film industry since Birth of a Nation, Mr Smith Goes To Washington, All the Kings Men, Manchurian Candidate, The Best Man, Advise and Consent, All the Presidents Men, Seven Days in May and the list goes on. So, is it any wonder that conspiracy theories abound in the United States? These stories, by the way, are all about character and integrity. Are they fact or fiction? I cannot give an opinion; the effect would be the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment