Writing Solutions

It’s Time to Tell the Truth

With all respect due to my former employers (Mark Goodson and Bill Todman), I think it’s time to revive their classic game show hit, "To Tell The Truth."

The premise of the show was deceptively simple: a panel of experts (celebrities) was given a plot/occupation/scenario as presented by three individuals. Each participant’s delivery was rehearsed and designed to fool/convince the panel as to their authenticity. Only one person was telling the truth. It was the panel’s task to ferret out the truth-speaker Get it?

It was a good show when originally produced—an even better premise, politically, now. My husband and I just watched the evening news. Some politico was on and viewed in the ‘talking head box’ thanking the newscaster for having him on the show.

Predictably, he was in uniform: a blue blazer, presumably gray pants, an off-white shirt and a burgundy tie. The newsperson had just asked the interviewee a pointed question. "Blah, blah, blah, etc…. seemed to be the response.

My husband’s comment brought me back to consciousness. "But he didn’t answer the question." "What’s new," I responded. Then it all hit me--- Shakespeare said, "all the world’s a stage…" I think all the world’s a game show!

So let’s revive the ethic and the game show, TO TELL THE TRUTH. All contestants, eh, candidates/competitors will show up for a non-partisan forum. It would be broadcast, free of charge, on commercial and cable television . If anyone elects not to show up (a dastardly habit of incumbents)- they are either gored or removed from the ballot!

Okay, while goring might not play in Iowa, something needs to be done so that a befuddled public electorate can make side-by-side comparisons of candidates in the same manner they can about used cars.

Candidates would be wired with telemetry that is somewhere between what is used to administer an EKG and a lie detector test. When posed a question, the respondent’s heart rate and truth factor would be monitored.

For instance, if a classically conservative candidate indicated that he/she favored abortion clinics on every corner; and a left-leaning liberal embraced the NRA…. the buzzers would roar. Like the results provided by using a cattle prod, the person’s lie would be visible to the viewing audience. Finally…. a simple yet convincing way to determine if a politician is telling the truth.

I can see it now…. Voter turnout, having reached all-time lows experiences major reversals. Registrar’s offices are inundated with citizens demanding to exercise the privilege of expressing their opinions immediately.

Previously abysmal and apathetic voter turnout soars. People turn out in droves to vote. The simple reinstatement of telling the truth has given the masses hope. What a concept! I only pray it happens in my lifetime. ###

Comments?