Romney argued untruthfully

Barack Obama debated poorly on Oct. 3, yet mostly stayed within the margin of error for truth-telling. Mitt Romney debated well, yet arguably too often made up the truth and his positions on the fly. Romney is now lauded, standing proud as a peacock in the glow of a poll surge. Obama is being lambasted and lampooned. Bizarro!

I’m far more intimidated by our national insanity and the largely lobotomized media culture than by our national debt. Are morality and ethics reserved for just one reverent day of the week in our society? And are deceit and disingenuousness sanctioned for the remaining six? Or is political discourse just exempt from truth-telling because our collective cynicism is so pervasive? Is this why the political bar is set so low that even a snake can squirm over it?

The president earned his criticism. His failing was lassitude while debating. Gov. Romney has not earned the praise he is receiving — unless you are of the mind to admire an athlete for a great performance despite “doping” and moving the finish line.

It’s OK to lie as long as you do it with conviction; at least it is if you’re running for president. I know it’s the same old-same old, but I still can’t believe it.

Ron Koss

Montpelier