A look at noteworthy addresses in...

A look at noteworthy addresses in the Southland. Truth-Telling “The key word in my understanding of public diplomacy is truth . USIA does not have slick propagandists and cynical ‘spin-doctors.’ We genuinely believe that the best way to combat misperceptions about America is by telling the truth about our country--the good, the bad and the ugly.

“Truth-telling is central to our mission, for practical as well as moral reasons. We have learned from the VOA and BBC that only by maintaining the highest standards of honesty and integrity can we build a lasting reputation--and an understanding and loyal worldwide audience. Only if we are willing to discuss the bad things about America will people believe us when we discuss the good things about America.

“Of course, one of the worst things that ever happened in the United States took place right here in Los Angeles two months ago; I am talking, of course, about the riots. . . . USIA reported the riots the way we reported the deaths of Dr. (Martin Luther) King and Sen. (Robert) Kennedy, the riots in Watts and the agony of Vietnam--with as much accuracy and objectivity as we could muster.

“Curiously, we were not always believed. I was told by one of our senior officials--who was in the former Soviet Union when the riots broke out--that many of the people he talked to simply would not believe the reports about the riots that they heard over the Voice of America. Having heard so many negative reports about the U.S. over the years from Soviet authorities, they simply tune them out--even if they’re reported by VOA.”

Announcements concerning prominent speakers in Los Angeles should be sent to Speaking Up, c/o Times researcher Michael Meyers, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053