> which is a sleight-of-hand attempt to soften its severity That’s not sleight-of-hand, I think we all immediately recognize it for what it is. Whether it is g

> which is a sleight-of-hand attempt to soften its severity That’s not sleight-of-hand, I think we all immediately recognize it for what it is. Whether it is good form to lead with an excuse is a matter of opinion, but it’s not deceptive.