'Truth detector' analyzes Spitzer's State of the State
DAN MEYER Political Columnist
When serving as New York State's attorney general, Eliot Spitzer earned a reputation as the ultimate defender of the American investor,

Nicknamed "The Sheriff of Wall Street," Spitzer earned nationwide recognition for his persistent pursuit of corporate corruption as he stressed the need for ethics reform, particularly the last few years of his eight-year run as attorney general.

Following his record margin of victory in 2006 that swept him into the governor's mansion, Spitzer vowed he would shake up the state's political scene "on day one" by constantly promoting change through the endorsement of reform by his entire administration.

Fast forward to Spitzer's second State of the State address, presented last week in Albany. His review of what can easily be defined as a rocky and controversial first year in office offered much optimism despite the handful of investigations that resulted because of the infamous "Troopergate" scandal.

What did the governor really say? Thanks to a special device I picked up last year, I was able to detect what was true and what was political rhetoric through the magic powers of a mechanism known as "the truth detector."

It's time to run Spitzer's remarks through a machine that tells the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth:

What Spitzer said: "As we look around our state today, we also know that writing the next chapter will not be easy. We see the economic storm clouds gathering. Those storms will hit cities and neighborhoods around the state that, as we know too well, are already struggling."

Truth detector analysis: Our economy is already drowning in a large sea of despair, and we're looking at a fiscal forecast that calls for 40 days and 40 nights of rain. Strap on the life preserver; it's not going to be pretty, especially if you're a small business that doesn't have flood insurance.

What Spitzer said: "We can transform New York, as did leaders before us. And if we do, we will leave a legacy worthy of the one we inherited. But it will not be easy."

Truth detector analysis: This transformation I speak of only works if you have brave leaders and real agents of change in office. Leave a worthy legacy? It's more like pass on the mess to the next group of petty politicians.

What Spitzer said: "President Lincoln once wisely advised, 'The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.' And it was a native New Yorker who served in our Legislature, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who demanded 'bold, persistent experimentation.'"

Truth detector analysis: Anytime you mention the names of a pair of great American leaders you are sure to deflect criticism aimed at whoever is currently in office. Mental note: finish this speech by quoting Washington and JFK.

What Spitzer said: "Be bold, be creative, and above all, act."

Truth detector analysis: Hopefully no one has noticed that I have done none of the above.

What Spitzer said: "I understand that sometimes my talk is a little too plain, too direct. Today, I'll try to make that a virtue."

Truth detector analysis: After today, it's back to the good old-fashioned usage of buzz words, false promises and recycled rhetoric.

What Spitzer said: "We must also have quality health care that families and businesses can afford."

Truth detector analysis: Just don't ask me how we plan to provide that.

What Spitzer said: "I will meet you with an open hand, an open door and an open mind. For we will realize this opportunity best if we work together in the spirit of cooperation."

Truth detector analysis: As long as your last name isn't Bruno, Silver, DiNapoli, Cuomo or Bloomberg.

(Daniel Meyer is a columnist for the Weekly Independent Newspapers of Western New York, a consortium of 19 community-based weekly newspapers with a combined paid circulation of 75,000 homes. WIN provides collaborative advertising and editorial support for member publications. For more information, visit our Web site at www.wnynewspapers.com. Comments on this column can be sent via e-mail to: meyersmusings@gmail.com. Opinions expressed here are those of the author.)