Quote:
Originally Posted by DanaC
I do slightly resent your characterisation of polticians. Not all politicians lie routinely, some are actually very decent people. I've met local and national politicians who work hard and are dedicated to the communities they serve. I've also met some absolute vipers.
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It is the nature of that environment. A politician that is a superb liar indeed has the inside track. Even honest men must lie or 'spin' to be reelected.
So when we talk about an honest politician, it is not an oxymoron. What we have are politicians who lie more often when things are less relevant.
For example, I was struck by the honesty of Bob Dole, a former presidential candidate. On Nightline, in response to a Ted Koppel question, Dole was so honest as to start his answer with something like, "Well Ted, I am going to avoid your question". One way to answer what a politician does not want to answer. Koppel was in the unusual position where he could not say, "You did not answer my question so I will ask it again." A rare example of honesty.
Numerous others don't bother to be so honest. As a result, more honest Republican power brokers such as Gingrich and Dole were uncerimoniously undermined and replaced by outright liars such as Trent Lott, Tom Delay, and other loyal friends of Abramoff and his peers. Gingrich is reported to hold exceptional contempt for what Tom Delay did to him. Lying created fertile ground for other corrupt government lawmakers and administrators. For example, 102 Republicans and 1 Democrat convicted in
http://txsharon.blogspot.com/2007/08...rehensive.html
A list that does not include the CA Congressman who smashed all standards for corruption - Duke Cunningham.
It is extremely difficult for a politician to get elected and be honest. As George Jr so proved, lying is so easy especially to the most religious that most Americans, including so many here, believed George Jr's obviously lies about Saddam and those WMDs.
BrianR noted my contempt for America's worst president. What he forgot mention after what - 15 years? Combine every post of contempt for every politician. That total number from 15 years does not even approach numbers that accurately describe George Jr in only one month. George Jr also sets new standards for lying - and repeatedly getting away with it. Not noted in BrianR's post is how much contempt I have for a politician who lies most often, repeatedly, and earned political support by doing so.
So who do we blame? The world class liar George Jr? Or people who believe his lies? Why do politicians find lying necessary? Look at what lying has done for a mental midget like George Jr. Even Jesus Christ would eventually have to lie to be elected to public office. Ever wonder why high office is also called a hot seat? Chairs constructed for devils.
What does that say about those who support the most liars such as George Jr?