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Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
11. I didn't assert that people dont' lie.
Thu Apr 30, 2020, 04:30 PM
Apr 2020

What I said was that whether they are under oath or makes absolutely no difference as to whether I believe them.

If someone is inclined to lie, they will lie just as easily under oath as not. If they are already doing something vile - like accusing someone of doing something they didn't do - which often carries its own threat of monetary or other penalties - they are going to continue to lie under oath. Especially when there is no other evidence, the threat of any punishment being imposed is really miniscule. And if you are viscious enough to falsely accuse someone of a crime (especially a public person), you're already extremely invested in continuing the lie. Accusing a public person of sexual assault already carries a burden much heavier than the penalty for perjury. Ask Christine Blasey Ford, who had her life turned upsided down, was doxxed within an inch of her life, threatened, and forced to move.

You asked me whether being under oath made someone more believable - and I've said in a number of different ways that it makes no difference to me. You're free to have a different opinion, but explaining why you have a different opinion isn't going to convince me to change how I view the reliability of a statement made under oath v. one not under oath - a view I've had for more than 5 decades.

Kick. nt Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2020 #1
If I were to be completely honest, I just don't know Marrah_Goodman Apr 2020 #2
It's far more common for people to lie under oath for defensive purposes, not offensive purposes. Tommy_Carcetti May 2020 #17
I appreciate the careful consideration of the allegation and issues involved. Ms. Toad Apr 2020 #3
Don't get me wrong. People do lie under oath all the time. Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2020 #4
That's the premise I reject. Ms. Toad Apr 2020 #5
But should a person who willingly refuses to go under oath be viewed more skeptically? Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2020 #6
As I noted - I "willingly refuse to go under oath," Ms. Toad Apr 2020 #7
But you have a religious belief system that factors into your decision. Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2020 #8
I don't hold others to a different standard than I hold myself. Ms. Toad Apr 2020 #9
Again, I'm not casting any aspersions on your own personal standards. But... Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2020 #10
I didn't assert that people dont' lie. Ms. Toad Apr 2020 #11
But how then do you explain someone like Juanita Broaddrick? Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2020 #12
I don't distinguish between sworn statements or unsworn statements. Ms. Toad Apr 2020 #14
Again, you're not understanding what I'm saying. Tommy_Carcetti May 2020 #15
I'm a Quaker, as well, but ... moriah May 2020 #20
I give Blasey-Ford's testimony the most credibility Retrograde Apr 2020 #13
Agreed. nt Tommy_Carcetti May 2020 #16
Reade does claim to have reported it at the time... JHB May 2020 #18
We can only see how that will pan out. nt Tommy_Carcetti May 2020 #19
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