Is honesty the best policy? This is a thought that crosses my mind quite frequently. Being a parent, one must be cautious or heed caution when guiding/raising their children.

We teach and preach to our younglings, at an early age that they should NOT tell lies or fibs. That in doing so, such falsity, no matter how small could eventually snowball into something disastrous.

For instance, telling someone that you have a certain item that you do not actually own. Now say that someone pays you a surprise visit and asks to see such said item, what do you do?

Do you A) Say, “you have missed placed the item?” B) Say,” it is out for repair?” C) Say,” a friend is borrowing it?” Or D) Say, “I don’t actually “Have” said item, but I wish I did.”

Obviously, my example is probably a harmless sample by far. That doesn’t make the lesson less valuable. Sometimes the “Truth” does hurt, but Deceit can be far worse, even fatal at times.

Now, speaking on my own behalf and a “choice” between, telling the truth versus lie/fabrication, I decided to go with; “Sometimes the truth hurts.” My oldest was only 9 at the time and she had witnessed things a nine year old should never have to see. These disturbing events were between her father and I, which resulted in a divorce.

I will not disclose more than that, but will say, I told her the truth as to WHY it had happened. There was no “cover up” or “white lie” or even “bending/fabricating” of the truth, I gave it to her straight. Whether that was right or wrong on my part, it was my decision. Personally, I feel that I had made the right choice. Well, that’s my “Point of View.”

Ah, the infamous line: “So what I told you was true, from a certain point of view.”-Obi-wan Kenobi/Ben

Ever since I can remember, this dialog has intrigued me. Even more after the Prequel Trilogy was complete.

It’s fascinating how someone could alter the truth in such a way, that they actually perceived/deemed it as “acceptable.” Not to mention, to pass it along without finding fault or accepting ownership in any wrongdoing on his part.

“You’ll find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly upon your own point of view.” – Obi-wan

Let me just point out, this would not be permissible in a court of law. Modifying the truth, to your liking, would be considered a LIE (tampering with evidence) during a trial.

Ok, staying on target, was Obi-wan right to change the truth about Luke’s father? Recasting those events, did he not fear any repercussions? Or possible consequences his words may cause for, Luke or the galaxy when all was said and done? With that said, his so called “testimony” of the truth, or his version of it, is somewhat of a “cop out.” Yes? No? A certain point of view, yes, possibly so. Let’s face it, Darth Vader is either Luke’s father or he isn’t. Truth, after all, is but a perception of one’s own confirmations, right?

Delving even further into this topic of Truth and Lies, what about Vader? He is the villain, right? A Master of Evil, more machine than man. Obi-wan goes on and says that his, old pupil is “twisted and evil.”

Interesting…..

The mentor and man that Luke trusts the most, the man he upholds with such high regard and faith, has deceived him.

“He was deceived by a lie; we all were.” –Obi-wan

Now that’s intriguing, isn’t it?

He (Obi-wan) knows exactly what he is doing, right? I mean, he couldn’t have forgotten how the Chancellor played everyone as his personal pawns. How this Dark Lord manipulated the entire Senate, the Jedi Order, and their “Chosen One” into handing over the galaxy on a silver platter? Of course not, those were the “Dark Times” and he, like Yoda, have been in exile ever since.

Ok, ponder those questions for a moment while we take a look at this, Bad Guy, Darth Vader.

Once they engage each other (Luke and Vader), Vader doesn’t hold back, he tells Luke the truth. “No Luke, I am your father.” –Vader

This visage of pure evil, the one he has been destined to confront, divulges the Real Truth. Talk about a virtual slap in the face! All this time, all that he (Luke) was taught to believe in, was a hoax? Oh, this is good, real good (cue sarcastic tone). Wait a minute, what about the stories? Does Luke question the, Jedi Tales that Obi-wan told him back on Tatooine?

“He was the best star pilot in the galaxy, and a cunning warrior.”- Obi-wan

More important, how about this particular memoir, filled with a young man’s dreams of his father’s legacy being passed down with adoration:

“I have something here for you. Your father wanted you to have this when you were old enough, but your uncle wouldn’t allow it. He feared you might follow old Obi-wan on some damn fool idealistic crusade like your father did. It’s your father’s lightsaber. This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster, but an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic, before the dark times, before the Empire. “- Obi-wan

No wonder Luke held his head down in pain (or was that mistrust?) on the Millennium Falcon after his confrontation with Vader and discovering his lineage. Seriously, my head would hurt too, talk about a major migraine. Luke had to be in serious emotional turmoil, not to mention, physical anguish.

Oh and not to get off topic here, but I honestly don’t remember Anakin telling Obi-wan to take care of his lightsaber and to present it to his unborn son when he is of age, anyone? For the record, I’m NOT throwing Obi-wan under the bus here, but as he says to Anakin, “You have done that yourself!” Seriously, I’m not pointing fingers, just pointing out the obvious. The evidence is there, whether we like it or not. You can either accept it for what it is, or you can choose to ignore it. Although, he is NOT the only Jedi Master who tells fibs, “No, there is another.” –Yoda

Yes, our little green friend doesn’t just use a unique speech pattern, but he also uses trickery when guiding Luke and storytelling. “Ah, father. Powerful Jedi was he, powerful Jedi. “

Indeed he was. I give Yoda props for telling Luke the truth in that regard, but still, where’s the rest of it? You know, the Prophecy of the “Chosen One.” The one who will restore balance to the Force and destroy the Sith. That’s a pretty big Sarlacc Pit to leave open, or would that be unopened? Regardless, you get the point.

“Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-wan’s apprentice.” -Yoda

Is it me, or is there a lot more dishonesty going on with the Jedi versus Sith? I mean, forever is a long time and quite an “absolute” statement I might add. Remember, “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” Maybe the Jedi should do less vocal negotiating and stick solely with, “Aggressive Negotiations.” After all, Actions do speak louder than words.

What about the Original Trilogy versus the Prequels? Maybe I’m just over analyzing the whole scenario? Am I? With those questions dangling there, let’s take another look at Vader, shall we? Try as I may, there’s only one scenario that I considered to be a possible lie or form of deception; “altering of the deal” with Lando on Bespin. Quite possibly this could fall under the category of, “changing your mind” and not that of an actual “lie.” Well, what do you think? Do you happen to cling to truths based on your own point of view? Maybe the real question is do we do it consciously or passively?

In my best Yoda voice:

“An answer?”

“A thought?”

”Anyone?”

Please, feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly at beccab@coffeewithkenobi.com I really look forward to hearing your thoughts, insights, and ideas. Also, remember to leave a review on iTunes for Coffee With Kenobi! It’s greatly appreciated. This IS the Podcast you’re looking for.

Special thanks goes out to, Melinda! Thanks so much for my SW surprise. My Vader statue is Funtastic!

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