... and nothing but the truth

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Sep 05, 2003

We now have a broad sampling of what happens when American bishops are forced to give depositions under oath. Today's latest headline story shows Archbishop Flores to be a bit more short-tempered than his average colleague, but otherwise he fits well within the pattern.

Lawyers are paid to ruffle the composure of witnesses. And bishops are especially vulnerable to the pressures of close cross-questioning, since they are so completely unaccustomed to being held responsible for their statements. It shows.

Then there is another well known reason for being uneasy under questioning: a peril that George Washington neatly avoided when he was grilled about the cherry tree.