BILL COSBY, THE SPEAKER OF TRUTH TO THE NAACP...has taken his knocks and also received much appropriate commendation. Today in Slate, Debra Dickerson provides some of the biographical context. Though one might well ask whether it is needed. Since Cosby has been proclaiming some obvious (though unpalatable) truths, isn't the best explanation simply that the man has an abiding respect for honesty?