Final answer:
The statement from the question pertains to advertising ethics and practices where the FTC allows some exaggeration but not outright falsehoods. Caveat emptor, or 'let the buyer beware,' applies, indicating consumers should be cautious and verify advertising claims.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Well maybe if they didn't stretch the truth they wouldn't sell as many" reflects the discussion on advertising practices that often involve exaggeration or ambiguous information to promote products. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), while outright untrue facts are prohibited in advertising, certain amounts of exaggeration are permitted. This is demonstrated by the motto caveat emptor, translating to "let the buyer beware." This implies that consumers should remain skeptical of marketing claims and verify the information before making decisions. Examples of permissible but limited truths in advertising can include real-estate ads that omit neighboring landfills or factories, which may not be evidently seen but could be inferred from other cues like pricing.