Children's Lives

[JF85]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48129280

Gavin Williamson apparently swore on his children's lives that he did not leak information.

Irrespective of whether leaked or did or not, is this an appropriate way for a government minister to speak?

[Calicogirl]

Yes i'm fully aware of that thanks Spath, but it answers the question- we swear oaths because they are held to be an important affirmation, otherwise why not just do away with all of them ( swearing in a jury, swearing on oat in court, marriage vows etc).

[Prudie]

God you are so argumentative....

[pixie374]

The question was about "appropriateness" though, spath. It's opinions.

[andy-hughes]

I think it's an emotive phrase used by a man who is feeling emotional.

One of two things is going to come out of this - either Mr Williamson is going to have his innocence proved, and his stance vindicated, or he is going to be proved to have lied, in which case the use of this phrase will simply add to the hubris he will be suffering.

Much as Jonathan Aitken suffered when he trumpeted about the 'sword of truth' being used to prove his innocence, and was subsequently found to have tried to persuade one of his own daughters to perjure herself to get him off the accusations of which he was proven to be guilty.

[ummmm]

It's just a figure of speech...not really meant.

[jno]

yes, that's the parallel that always comes to my mind when I hear extravagant oaths, andy hughes.

If it falls to me to start a fight to cut out the cancer of bent and twisted journalism in our country with the simple sword of truth and the trusty shield of British fair play, so be it

[Prudie]

It would mean something to me and I would never use the phrase. One might as well say I swear, I promise etc are also just meaningless words so why bother in the first place.

[spathiphyllum]

"God you are so argumentative...."

I'm not arguing with anyone. I have an opinion, god forbid that is expressed.

[-Talbot-]

A few irreligious people showing signs that they do believe in a higher power.

I swear on my life I didn't type the above.

[andy-hughes]

Jno - // yes, that's the parallel that always comes to my mind when I hear extravagant oaths, andy hughes.

If it falls to me to start a fight to cut out the cancer of bent and twisted journalism in our country with the simple sword of truth and the trusty shield of British fair play, so be it //

It's funny how, when people who long ago lost the ability to even hear, much less accept, any advice to behave like a normal human being and accept when you are wrong - are found out to be utter contemptible liars, all the worse for their mealy-mouthed pompous blowhard protestations of their innocence, their words ring even louder when used to haunt them in their ignominy.

As I said, either Mr Williamson is innocent, and everyone can change their view, or he is cut from the same cloth as Mr Aitkin, and deserves the same fate - obscurity.

[Calicogirl]

Spath all you ever do is argue with people, and half the time it's single line arguments designed to derail the thread or steer it in the direction you personally think it should go. A validly expressed opinion is one thing, deiberately saying daft things like ' this is news not R&S' is another- what ha been typed by everyone is perfectly pertinent to the OP.

[ummmm]

I wouldn't either, Prudie, but people say it without thinking,

[spathiphyllum]

Calico it's called discussion. Do you know what an argument is?

I don't wish to upset AB so i'll just stop discussion with people, in case they have a paddy.

[jno]

ummmm, I don't think it's meant to be taken literally, but he could have sworn on his Bible or "on my honour as an English gentleman". To swear on someone else's life always sounds dodgy.

[Calicogirl]

No it's not discussion though Spath, it's you telling people something, there is nothing to discuss, just your blanket, usually incorrect, statements. A discussion is fine, telling people what they may or may not say isn't, and that's what you tried to do today and yesterday you derailed a thread I put up wishing everyone a happy Beltane with exactly the same stupid antics. Post your opinions and challenge other people's but don't try to tell them what to do.

[spathiphyllum]

OK now it's an argument. Try stop replying instead of antagonising the situation? Learning moments n all dat.

[spathiphyllum]

ever notice how you can't just contribute to a thread, you have to have an issue with me, or what i say or how i say it? Leave me alone lol stop engaging in "discussion" if all you can do is argue against me. Just ignore me?

[spathiphyllum]

And hopefully, our reply to this, will be no reply. I can't be bothered for you to tell me how things are from your perception.

[Calicogirl]

...and there you go again, trying to control what other users do and tell them what they can and can't do. Pathetic.

[spathiphyllum]

OK last word lucy, have a good day.