Friday, April 27, 2012

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT

When in a hot discussion and it's your turn to speak, "with all due respect" as a preamble doesn't cut it.  Everyone knows you're ready to let him have it!  Be honest, say," With all due disrespect, you are wrong and a jerk!"

I believe in civility whenever possible but there are times when a mild mannered reaction to something is inappropriate and deceitful.  I recall a luncheon tribute to a retiring executive at a company I worked for long ago where some fool asked one of the executive's enemies to be the master of ceremonies.

He began his remarks civilly enough then, like a man of honor, began his talk this way, "It's with lukewarm enthusiasm ..........." then managed a few luke warm statements about his achievements.  That kind of honesty is rare.  It's a little like a eulogy which would really tell you what a rotten bastard the deceased was.  I don't recommend it but I do admire honesty even when it isn't required.

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