Caught Between Aphorisms

"It's wrong to speak ill of the dead."

"If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all."

So, basically, it's wrong to talk trash about anyone at any time after fertilization throughout the entirety of civilization. Methinks that Miss Manners left out some most important verbiage:

"It's wrong to speak ill of the dead [at their funeral. Anytime thereafter is open season on the not-so-dearly departed.]"

"If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all [unless you're in the company of those who can appreciate a good bitchfest. Sharing is caring.]"

Much better.