I believe him because the truth is more sinister and underhanded than the original lie.
What reason would a government official have for making up a story like the one Mr. Jackson told a group of businessmen in Dallas a few weeks back? His little tale of "a contract denied" was not true, so he lied about doing something that he knew was unethical and illegal. (Forgive the poor formatting skills ... relative newbie poster.)
Jackson said he made up the story. "I deeply regret the anecdotal remarks I made at a recent Texas small-business forum and would like to reassure the public that all HUD contracts are awarded solely on a stringent merit-based process," Jackson said in a statement. "During my tenure, no contract has ever been awarded, rejected, or rescinded due to the personal or political beliefs of the recipient."
You lied, Mr. Jackson? You lied and you bragged that you did something unethical and illegal?
My first question: Is this sort of maturity found throughout Mr. Bush's administration?
My second question(s): What reason would a man have for doing such a thing? ... to look tough? ... to fashion for himself a persona that is mythically uber-Republican?
No. Too complicated. The simple answer is the real answer. Mr. Jackson's aim was oh so much more sinister and unethical than it appears to be on the surface.
Mr. Jackson meant to instill fear with this story of a 10 year wait for a piece of Uncle Sam's pie denied just and only and purely because a man voiced his dislike for Mr. Bush. I believe his "tall tale" was neither accidental nor "spur of the moment". I believe his "anectote" was crafted with a purpose and with malice of forethought. In the end, Mr. Jackson's aim was to purify the cohort of HUD contract applicants.
Why? Simple - to better guide the money Mr. Jackson controlled towards those who's ideology matches his and his President's. He knew he couldn't directly ask applicants if they support the Administration, so his habit became to tell these "tales" to keep non-supporters out of the applicant pool. Failing that, his tales would at least keep them quiet.
With one short story, Mr. Jackson effectively did two things the Republicans love to do:
1) He shut the mouths of dissenters and
2) He discouraged "un-Republicans" from applying for Federal contracts.
Sinister. Unethical. Illegal. Corrupt. Period.