by Dossie M Terrell

Created on: August 08, 2009   Last Updated: November 05, 2009

Politicians lie for many reasons, ranging from monetary gain, unchecked power and simply because they can. Many folks tend to place politicians on pedestals right up there with their ministers and priests, which do them a grave disservice. Politicians are human and most make no pretense at being saintly. All they want to do is win elections and to that end, they are subjected to the same shortcomings as anyone else. However, if they do not have strong ethical values they may succumb to the lures of special interest groups and spend most of their political lives lying about one thing or the other.

Another troublesome reason may be that many constituencies cannot face the truth. For example, as the economy worsens they want to be placated rather than have their elected officials tell them the truth and engage them in rational dialogue on fixing things. The politicians are left to fudge the truth in ways that are palatable.

To an extent, Americans expect their representatives to lie and when they make an attempt at being honest they are castigated for it. Then there are politicians who manage to live down to the expectations many have of them as a group, such as lacking scruples and engaging in illicit relationships and activities. Still voters act horrified when their representatives yield to the temptation of big money or beautiful women.

MONETARY GAINS
Not all politicians are born into families with connections and money and even those with strong moral compasses may find themselves tempted beyond endurance. Recently, there have been several politicians who were indicted for taking bribes and engaging in embezzlement. They probably did not go into politics with the intention to lie to their constituencies about their activities, but when they started lying, it continued until they were either exposed or left office.

The recent case of an ex-Louisiana representative supports the argument that many politicians can be bribed by those seeking political favors. Many of these representatives do not have the ethical fortitude to withstand the temptation and will often succumb to the lure illicit funds.

There are other powerful politicians who have been under investigation or under a cloud of suspicion for bribery and other unethical conduct. Many take money or other items with monetary value and conveniently lie and say they did not know they were not supposed to accept the unlawful donations or gifts.

POWER
Some politicians become heady with power and will do just

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