Here’s a story problem in political calculus: If you were elected to public office, and the previous administration had incurred a lot of debt (a lot a lot of debt) would it be better (for you) to acknowledge the problem publicly, or to pretend that everything is all right? If you acknowledge the problem, the political entity to which you were elected might have problems attracting new businesses. But if you don’t acknowledge the debt, your own political fortunes would be dimmed, because the electorate would perceive you as abetting the previous administration. You would, in effect, be part of the problem.
Remember, ignorance is no excuse.
Extra credit: Pretend you are a “journalist” or “investigative reporter.” Would you ignore the rumors circulating about the political entity’s insolvency, because you never investigated the cause when it was first presented, or would you keep whistling in the dark?
Show your work, and no cheating.
If I were Rich Wright, knowing that in reality no journalists or investigative reporters in El Paso are going to step up to the plate, I would check out the rumors by assuming the role of a journalist/investigative reporter — which, after all, any careful, intelligent, literate person can DIY.
Really? You don’t need a journalist’s license, or something?