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Seeking Perfection

Acrylic on Canvas / 20” by 24” / $399

What do you see as the truth of this image?

Do you think you and your neighbor would describe it in the same way?

Do You Mean It?

When you say something do you mean it? Can another person depend on your words and attest to the integrity of your intention? What do you do when you make arrangements to meet someone and an opportunity arises that is more interesting? Do you break your commitment by phon, text, email? If you do, are you honest about your reason for backing out of the engagement or do you tell a little white lie?

There was a time when a person’s word and a handshake was something to be counted on. It was all it took to seal a deal—no notaries, legal documents or witnesses needed. When there were disputes they were taken to the tribal leader who would dispense justice. Notice I say justice, meaning fairness. The outcome is not dependent on who has the best lawyer.

In our country, we are urged to be more careful for times have changed greatly in our litigious society? An attorney friend recently said that if it wasn’t signed and sealed there was no promise. He mentioned that we can basically say anything and change our minds without concern of a lawsuit.

I’ve since discovered that this lawyer’s remark was nuanced. Verbal agreements are binding as long as the proof will hold up in court—which isn’t easy. So what has to be done to turn a verbal promise into a court approved contract?  

One way to validate an oral agreement is to put your words into immediate action. If one party acts and the other is in compliance, evidence is created that proves there was a deal. Emails, letters, memos and receipts all reinforce handshake deals. Telling a friend what happened during the meeting and sending a “thank you” letter describing what was said are two other ways to seal a deal.

It is unusual for handshake arrangements to wind up in court, though it is possible. When they fall apart it is usually over details.  If you are exchanging a toaster oven for two hours of roof cleaning, you are probably OK with a verbal agreement but to rent an apartment or engage in work for hire, it is best put the arrangement in writing. Both parties must be crystal clear over the terms of the agreement they have entered into. If all details are not clear then there is a potential for a dispute. You may make an agreement for someone to design a logo for your business that is not in  writing. But once it is complete, you may discover that you do not own the logo because transferring intellectual property rights is not bound by a verbal agreement.

The reason I bring this topic to your attention is because we live in a political climate that is filled with he said/she said accusations. I wonder about truth and how a person can be held accountable for words spoken in private. Fabrications have been part of American politics for a long time. Resumes are routinely puffed up, misdeeds hidden, sexual affairs denied, and false information presented to the public. But today’s lies are blasted through internet sites at ever increasing speed. We are showered with falsehoods and burdened by untruths. Yet, often there are no consequences when it comes to false political claims.  It takes so much time to fact check that most of us are unwilling to work at discovering the truth. 

Entrepreneurs often say they will only do business with someone they trust. Some are more content with a handshake agreement, believing that written contracts somehow undermine trust. However, since no one can ever assume that something will not wind up in court, it is at least wise to have credible witnesses to a business agreement. 

Politicians are another story, for most voters don’t start out by thinking of them as people to be trusted. They are not surprised when they hear of their misdeeds. The consequences from making false claims are rarely strong enough to dissuade voters from supporting those who espouse their political views. There are many examples of politicians sent to jail who wind up getting elected to office. In 2016, for example, Chicago councilman Robert Battle was sworn into office for a second term while serving time in the county jail on multiple felony charges. 

Political fabrication has become an art with “Pants on Fire” burning “tolerance-to-falsehoods” into our psyche.  We have become immune to lying.  I’m concerned. Are you?

Do comment below.

Nixon,S ( 2014) When your word and a handshake meant something ChicagoNow.   retrieved from http://www.chicagonow.com/lupus-purple-reigns/2014/12/when-your-word-and-a-handshake-meant-something/

Harline, K. (2018) Oral Contracts: Do They Carry Any Weight? legalzoom. retrieved from https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/oral-contracts-do-they-carry-any-weight

Walker,D (2018) Does a handshake form a legally binding contract? Business advice. retrieved from http://businessadvice.co.uk/business-development/business-planning/does-a-handshake-form-a-legally-binding-contract/

Miller, M. (2016) Meet the Midwestern politician sworn into office while in jail and awaiting trial for murder. Chicago Tribune. retrieved from

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/01/25/meet-the-midwestern-politician-sworn-into-office-while-in-jail-on-murder-and-drug-charges/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.8fac4b1d0be4