Stories. I Hear Stories.

© Copyright 2008 Stan Spire


“They’re a bunch of crooks. They erased part of the videotape of the last town meeting.”

Indeed. Well, instead of telling everyone about it one afternoon at the barbershop, why don’t you contact the proper authorities?

I would be more than happy to see crooked politicians get theirs. But stories – rumors – mean nothing unless backed up with some solid info or leads.

A while ago someone emailed me about a local politician who used taxpayer funds to deck out a city vehicle with a custom leather interior and paint job. The vehicle was for his personal use while he supposedly served the voters. The pol in question has been the subject of other stories about misusing funds, so this one might be true. Is it? The emailer claimed to have inside knowledge. But that person never followed up with more details.

Maybe the emailer was on the level. But, sorry, I ain’t falling for rovean (Karl Rove) tactics.

If you want to nail a crook, provide evidence. And don’t mention it to me – pass it along to the right enforcement agency. Contact the media if there’s a cover-up and the authorities are in on it. Then, if all official and mainstream channels prove to be dead ends, it’s time to try a loose cannon blogger. But you still have to come across with some proof.

Telling stories at the barbershop or in an email won't bring about justice.