I’m beginning to think Diogenes was right — there is no such thing as an honest man. 

For those of you who don’t know who Diogenes is, let me explain. Diogenes, also called Diogenes the Cynic, was a Greek philosopher and follower of the better known Socrates. Sometimes, Diogenes is even referred to as “Socrates gone mad.” 

According to Wikipedia, Diogenes walked through the streets of Corinth carrying a lamp in the daytime allegedly searching for an honest man. From what is known of Diogenes, he never found the honest man, though he desperately tried.

The story of Diogenes goes deeper than that. He is also considered to be “the original cynic” according to various Greek travel guides. 

Diogenes was able to accomplish one thing in his efforts, though, that was shining the light of truth onto the lies told by various folks.

After hearing news reports this past week regarding former Gov. Mike Easley, the Campbells and others, along with a few personal encounters of my own with folks, I have come to the conclusion Diogenes was on to something. 

After reading the various accounts of testimony in the Easley trial, I have decided the truth lies somewhere in between all the stories and accounts which have been given. Aside from some obviously shoddy record keeping, this story has all the elements of a movie of the week — political patronage, intrigue and a once powerful governor and his friends in some very serious trouble.

The allegations against Easley’s campaign include questionable campaign contributions and how those contributions were shown in the records. There are air plane flights which weren’t billed to the candidate and others which were billed incorrectly. There are folks who are alleged to have received political appointments as a form of patronage for their support. 

Until the testimony is evaluated by the proper authorities and the investigation is completed, we all have to be patient and wait and see what the proper authorities decide. Until then, we’ll reserve judgment.

In my own endeavors in life, I have learned people will lie for various reasons. Sometimes it is to prevent themselves from getting into trouble at work or home. Sometimes, they lie to make themselves look good in the face of friends or co-workers. Sometimes people will lie to protect the feelings of others from the truth, especially if the truth is perceived to be something which will hurt them. Others lie to make themselves seem larger than life to others. Whatever the reason for lying, the truth eventually finds a way to be revealed.

When Diogenes’ proverbial light of truth is shown on them, they all end up with egg on their face. Sooner or later, the truth will be revealed, much to the chagrin of the liar.

Erin Smith is a staff writer for the Bladen Journal. She may be reached by telephone at 862-4163 or by e-mail at esmith@bladenjournal.com.