I was once elected to a town council. The town was small enough that everyone knew everyone or about everyone. When I was approached on the street with a complaint about this or that I would say, "My memory might get some of this wrong. Would you be kind enough to put the complaint in writing, sign it, drop it at my place or the town office and I will be sure to bring it before council." Never heard a thing.

When relatives or friends have brought up politics or religion in my place, I have on occasion said, "I don't wanna hear this bullshit but I will read it. Would you write it for me?" Nhat.