So the burden rests on the shoulders of the truthteller. One needs to examine one's intentions before telling a truth affecting another person. Isn't the INTENTION of telling the truth enough? For example I know joe blow is a pedophile. He moves into the neighborhood and I tell the parents. My intention is to tell them the truth about him. I have no underlying motive. I'm not going to get paid for it. I just want to let them know what he is and to beware and keep their children safe. Anything wrong with that? Telling the truth informs folks of people who might otherwise lie. We have examples in our White House that are drowning us. I beat that dead horse. Thank you for your reply! :)
Technically, No---Mudslinging definition: casting malicious slurs on an opponent, esp in politics.
Possibly a failure in the virtue of charity, but that is when intention is pretty important. In the example you mentioned in your comment to Shulack, there are a number of values that must be prioritized and weighed.
About 50 years ago, I was used as a reference by someone who wanted to be a "Big Brother." I had some difficulty with that referral. I talked to one of my ethics teachers about the matter and was subsequently confident in what I did. (I did recommend him.)
What if a doctor, who sings karaoke as a drag queen, moves into the neighborhood? Would you feel obliged to tell everyone about his secret life? It's the truth ... but how is it any of their business?
What if you found out that someone who claims to root for the Patriots, actually backs the Browns? For what intention?
It depends. I mean when something has been asked and answered a million times, then it is.
Like that BIRTHER thing Trump tried to lie about Obama. He answered it. Over and over. Even if Trump thought it was the truth, which he NEVER really did, that would be mudslinging to keep it up. That is what fed the moron Tea Party movement.
I REMEMBER John McCain very well back then. Now we think he is God compared to Trump. Anyone can come back and look good compared to Trump. Anyone.
Shuhak 