Subject to subjectivism

"Until humans can solve their philosophical problems, they're condemned to solve their political problems over and over and over again. It's a cruel, repetitious bore."
--Tom Robbins in Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.

Commentary and reporting are both subjective disciplines. We bring to all our expressions the sum of ourselves.

When Michelle Kwan misses her triple-lutz, it is no excuse that she meant to convey a flawless twist and landing. The judges see what they see, and judge accordingly.

When Tom Wolfe fails to capture the college experience in a novel, it is no excuse that he meant to accurately portray it. The reviewers read what they read, and write their reviews accordingly.

When a politician or political activist makes a statement, it is no excuse that they meant to say something else. The listeners hear what they hear, and are entitled to comment thereon.

But here's the difference. A statement can be retracted, clarified...even apologized for. That's the beauty of conversation; it has no end short of the grave, and correction and redemption are possible so long as the conversation continues.