From Lyin’ Brian to Deceivin’ Stephen

Re Duffy scandal dogs Harper, Aug. 17 Liars. There are many types, just as there are many kinds of lies — white, boastful, malicious and the Big Lie. This last kind is used successfully only by one class of liar — the Big Man or CEO type.

The method is familiar, probably taught at MBA schools. Appear calm and subdued. Begin by saying “Look,” or “Let’s be clear” or “I’ve said this before.” Slump your shoulders as a visible sigh of exasperation. Use a somewhat rote, very slightly singsong style of delivery, like one who is patiently taking up valuable time to reexplain something that the listener, disappointingly, lacked the perception to grasp the first time.

Then unleash the Big Lie. The black economy is actually white. Saving the climate is good, but taking any suggested step to that end is bad. Canadians are in imminent danger of terrorism, and bombing Syria will prevent lone-wolf attacks here. Past tanker, railway and pipeline disasters have taught us so much that future incidents are impossible. Breaches of election spending rules and Parliamentary conduct are normal, nothing new. Nothing to see here, folks. The Senate scandal was rare, contained and divorced from the practices of the party and PMO.

The punctiliously polite Tom Mulcair, Justin Trudeau and Eliza- beth May seem to think that on the debating podium they are still hamstrung by the parliamentary rule against flagging an untruth. Well, Stephen Harper himself has killed the current Parliament, so those rules don’t apply.

If they absolutely can’t bring themselves to use the word, how about witty references to lengthening noses or “a smouldering odour of pants on fire.”

Or how about simply looking at the camera and asking Canadians directly: “On the economy, who are you going to believe — this guy or your own eyes?” J.A. McFarlane, Toronto For years we’ve known that Lyin’ Brian Mulroney earned his sobriquet; now we know that Deceivin’ Stephen Harper has earned his moniker, too. Bernie Smith, Parksville, B.C.