Please, don’t quote me on that
I’m sure you’ll agree that most of us a) say what we mean b) mean what we say and c) never want to be misquoted. Unless we refer to certain politicians who seem to lack any contact between the brain and the larynx.
The act of misquotation stands high on the list of crimes against the person (or it should, if not). However, it also can have a corollory; if what you said is misremembered, then you may have a better defense than “I take the 5th amendment” when placed in a position where what you may have (not) said puts you directly between a rock and a hard place. Ignore the fact that Canada does not have any amendments; we have, instead, a Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Not the same. Not at all.
As of today, I shall no longer be misquoted. My wife has a digital recording device, no larger than a remote control for a small stereo, that will assure I am accurately quoted, in every situation where the supply of AAA batteries is sufficient to the cause. She will be in a position where my quotes are accurately and rapidly retrieved, and where the fog will be lifted. If I mumble, then instant replay will clarify, in ways that a speech therapist never could. If I speak without thinking (an impossible action according to leading neurologists; a common practice according to her) then there will be no doubt, no, not ever.
I must join the ranks of those who are continually “on the record”. Or, find a cone of silence (one-person size). No more edits. No more retractions.
I’m doomed…
