Columnist Ruthe Deskin: A lie by any name is still a lie

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, April 13, 2000 | 9:40 a.m.

"A white lie that was not well advised."

That is the excuse a local newspaper uses in defense of Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa for denying that her office had carried on an investigation of former Gaming Control Board Chairman Bill Bible.

When President Clinton pointed his finger at the nation and lied about his sexual dallying with Monica Lewinsky, was that a "white lie, not well advised"?

A lie is a lie is a lie, whether black, white or blue.

Del Papa's prevarication and denial extended over a long period of time. She did not admit to anything until forced by a court order to turn over documents that proved her duplicity. Like Clinton, Del Papa is quick with excuses for her actions. Her popularity, especially in Northern Nevada, probably will not be decreased by the present brouhaha, although "white lies" do have a tendency to cause some people to doubt the integrity of the instigator. We have the right to expect the truth from our elected officials. It is supreme arrogance for anyone to assume the right to decide when truth should take a back seat to lies and misinterpretations.

A good rule to follow is to always tell the truth. That way one never gets caught trying to remember what was said in previous conversations. "The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God" isn't such a bad idea.

Or have we become a society where trying to cover one's backside with fibs is an accepted way of life?

Frustration, exasperation and consternation.

Try reaching someone at the Department of Motor Vehicles and that's what you get.

My automobile license expires next month. As of yet I have not received the usual notification to renew, and smog requirement. Being a law-abiding senior citizen, I fear driving along the roadway and being stopped by a policeman and ticketed for driving with an expired license.

Trying to get some information on my problem got me in touch (finally) with that annoying "if you are calling from a touch-tone phone, press etc., etc." By the time I punch a few numbers, only to get a busy response, or advice to call after 3:30, an expired license seems to be my only alternative -- unless standing in line for three hours could be a consideration.

The problems with the DMV are taking much too long to solve. There must be a better way.

The Sun's Joe Delaney will be among those honored at UNLV ceremonies. Joe will receive UNLV's Distinguished Service Award for his 26 years as a part-time instructor.

Those of us who have worked with Delaney say, "It's about time." Few people in this community have given so much time and effort to charitable events. For years Joe has been called upon by different organizations to assist in some venture. He seldom says no and proceeds with grace to do what he can to assist in anything that brings a better life to citizens of our community.

Davey Pearl, whose own endeavors for charity have always received a boost from Delaney, put it this way: "The guy is always there for any charitable function. He never turns you down. He even buys tickets for the affairs, refusing to be comped."

Being a "cat person," an event scheduled for this weekend holds special interest. It is the "Cat Fanciers Association All Breed and Household Pets Cat Show" at Cashman Field on Saturday and Sunday.

Most of the cats that have ruled my household at one time or another are strays, including a current resident, a part-Persian black cat named Pug. Other cats that have ruled the household included Spider, a female calico that lived to be 20 years old, and during that time bullied a huge malamute and a mixed shepherd.

My only problem with the cat show is turning away from the orphans that will be shown for adoption by the Nevada SPCA. Getting a chance to see pedigreed felines of all breeds, colors and sizes is great fun and watching the faces of their owners during judging is even more entertaining.

Dogs or cats, I wouldn't be without one or the other. Or both.

The cat show at Cashman Field starts at 9:30 a.m. each day. For something unusual, this is it.

How proud his parents and peers must be of Jeffrey Walker.

The teenager won a $20,000 scholarship for a program he devised, called 2000 Tomorrow that involves students in service projects. Parade Publications and the New World Foundation sponsor the program, which recognizes teenagers for outstanding achievement.

A Sun reader referring to the allergy season sends "Sneezin' Greetings."