For a very long time it has been apparent that politicians will not, can not, or prefer not, to answer any questions about anything. It does not follow the photo where the famous hear no, see no, and speak no evil shows the frogs living in a world of utopian delight. Unfortunately this world is a fantasy that only the frogs can enjoy.
I used to look forward to the Sunday news shows where the interviewer grilled the politicians of all stripes about all of the latest necessary news. But, it did not take very long  to realize that after the interview, there was really no new insight or information that was helpful in understanding the important issues. 
But in a fit of curiosity I wanted to figure out how they avoided the question and if there is a "standard" play in the great political handbook. And sure enough, there is a sure fire way to not answer the questions while at the same time looking good to the viewers. It is called re-framing! Lets call the interviewer David, and the politician John as an illustrative example.  David: "Do you think that the president was right about the US being involved in Libya"?  John: "Look David, I have always felt that the US is an important part of the world community. I have always voted to be responsible and fair in our global affairs. So, I will continue to believe that we are a good world citizen". The politician always starts with either "Look" or "Listen". He or she then circles the wagons and answers a different question that is totally non-committal. Clearly, they do not want to be cited during election time if their answer was wrong. We all have the ability to say things that will later be modified when new information is obtained. I would be really pleased if a politician simply answered the question honestly with the proviso that "based on my current information" was used.
Framing is a way to build something. Re-framing says that you made a mistake and have to start over. Just  thought...

The egg is back in favor again after being ostracized for such a long time due to the cholesterol content. And while that is a fact, it is also true that eggs are high in protein and low in saturated fat. So, eggs are back in demand as part of a healthy diet.
But for years there has been a serious disagreement about which is better, brown or white. Well, according to the Egg Nutrition Council, there is no difference at all. If the eggs are produced commercially, they are all fed a fairly simple and bland diet to maintain profit margins. The brown or white pigment depends on the breed of chicken. It is that simple! But, if the eggs are produced locally and fed a varied diet rich in omega3, they may taste better, whether or not they are white or brown.
For years the white egg prevailed but consumers found that brown eggs produced locally tasted better. So, commercial growers  got on the band wagon and started selling brown eggs at a premium price. And so the argument began. The brown eggs are generally produced by larger hens and do cost a little more to feed. So, all  eggs may be created equal, but we all make choices. It seems to this observer that being color blind may be helpful...Unless of course it involves traffic lights.

This photo is of PT Barnum who is often credited with the quote "There is a sucker born every minute". But this attribution is not true as nobody actually knows who really said it. Barnum was a huckster, scam artist, entertainer, and co-founder of the Barnum and Baily Circus, but thought of his clients as customers and not suckers. But it brings up the issue of gullibility in general and how many people still seem to believe in free.I have recently seen TV ads for furniture companies that say if you buy $1000.00 in furniture, you get a free TV. If it is really free, please just give me the TV and you can keep the furniture. But does anybody really believe that the TV has no associated cost? Businesses have been doing this for years so there must be some pay off for them. And then there is the "but wait" admonition after most gadget infomercials. " We will double your order absolutely free, just pay additional shipping and handling". But the cost is three times the cost of the product that also has questionable value. It has been said that there is no free lunch, and for homeless shelters that is not true for the recipients. But even there with this vital service, someone is paying for the food.
Perhaps I am just a cynic and refuse to believe in free anything., But why do so many continue to accept the fact that there is no such a creature? Of course, the only free item here is this blog posting. Just pay additional...