Diplomacy
All my life I have been accused of not
being very diplomatic (as though this is a crime). So, I have given this
"diplomacy" thing some thought. Here is what I have come to realize:
Diplomacy is a way of revealing only a
small fraction of the truth while allowing those with whom one is being
diplomatic to believe the whole truth is being revealed.
Examples
Irish diplomacy: (Wife) "John, ya
didn't go out drinkin' again last night with Michael, did ya?" (Husband)
"Of course not!" (He was out drinking with Patrick) (Wife again)
"And ya were not at Paddy's Pub drunk again?" (Husband) "Of
course not!" (He was drunk at Sean's Pub with James)
Husband diplomacy: (Wife) "Dear,
does this dress make me look fat?" (Husband) "No dear, not at
all" (His true thought, You are fat, so it is you making yourself look fat
not the dress. The dress just reveals it.)
Political Diplomacy: (Journalist)
"Mr. President, are we planning to go to war with Iran?" (President)
"No, we are not." (What the president is really thinking, "Israel
is planning to go to war with Iran and we will support them fully with our
troops weapons, and money.")
I think I am quite happy not being very
diplomatic!
P. Donovan