First definitions. What's a lie?
1. A false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood.
2. Something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.
v. lied, ly·ing (l
ng), lies
ng), lies v.intr.
1. To present false information with the intention of deceiving.
2. To convey a false image or impression: Appearances often lie.
For Lynn Vavreck, politics is a high-stakes game. She writes:
... in the 2000 Democratic nominating contest, when Al Gore claimed he “took the initiative in creating the Internet” was he lying? Or did his comment seem more like a lie after it was misreported that he said he “invented” the Internet? Or how about this case: was it a lie in January of 1998 when President Clinton forcefully denied he had “sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky,” adding that he “never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never”? And in 2003, when Colin Powell reported to the United Nations that U.S. intelligence showed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, was he lying?See that these examples are different: The first is a public appearance, Gore was being hyperbolic. The second is a more serious instance: lying under oath. In the third example, Powell (then secretary of state under G. W. Bush) was deceived by the C.I.A. Vavreck makes an interesting point:
Why do Americans tolerate politicians who lie? Because most political lies are exaggerations or contextual lies. They are lies of omission, or put the way a politician might, they are economies of truth.For Sisela Bok, lying has become a norm of politics. Bok makes a good point. If your opponent lies and gets away with it, there is little you can do but to lie as well. And the public? This is why people accept that politicians are liars.
But most of the time, the truth is hard to discern amid the barrage of accusations and counter-accusations about fraud, the broken promises, and the outright lies that fly fast and loose among campaigns. The worst outcome would be for everyone to give up -- for voters to conclude that all politicians lie and for politicians to lie when they think that they will get away with doing so, hoping that enough people will be misled and that others won’t hold it against them.How about evading instead of "lying"?
More disturbingly, politicians who dodged the question but did so in a smooth, practiced fashion were rated more favorably than those who answered the question but in a less fluid fashion: politicians are better off answering the wrong question well than the right question poorly. (Not all dodges go unnoticed – politicians who answered a question about the war on terrorism by riffing on health care were both caught, and punished.)George Lakoff is a linguist. For him, it's a two way street. Voters align themselves with their politician of choice and believe what they say because they believe those things. See it as candidate "X" lying to its base (but for them is not a lie).
What do you think. Should we accept the fact that politics is this game of partisanship and just turn the other way and let the game go on? Is it just a matter of getting used to it? But a lie is a lie: There were no WMD in Iraq.
Politics can be seen as a theater of different factions pushing their versions of governance. In America this is generally Republican vs. Democrat every four years. But aside from the theater, this is a very serious issue. These versions end up affecting our daily lives and our future. Shouldn't we have a commitment to truth?
I am closing this post this Sunday at 11pm.
Meisel Vera
ReplyDeletePHI2604
M,W,F 11-11:50
Many people may agree that a lie is not completely a lie when some part of the truth is kept, it is just information that isn't being shared among other people. Politicians are known as liars , but people lie as well. Yes, politicians have a greater responsibility because it affects our every day life's , but many individuals do not see it this way ,because it may be a lack of education or are so blind by external factors other than the actual person this politician may be. Getting elected is telling people what they want to hear , but actually coming through the promises made is another step. People do not live their lives based on the truth , most of us live a life of a lie, which those are the first people to criticize what others are doing wrong. Everyone has a commitment to the truth , but unfortunately not everyone does it.
Nobrega, Barbara
ReplyDeletePHI2604 M,W,F 11-11:50
Professor Triff
In general when one thinks about politics or a politician one might think of lying. Why this is the case is a very complex topic to try and break down. Of coarse for one a politician lies or doesn’t completely tell the truth because they have one thing in mind, and that is to win an election. To win an election one must please a large amount of people. To do that one must “sugar coat” a lot of things. Is that the right thing to do? Is lying okay when it will maximize other peoples happiness? Kant would say it is not the right thing to do because lying is an unethical and morally incorrect action no matter what the outcome may be. Its unfortunate that we as Americans have to deal with the effects of other’s lies that affect our lives day to day. So what do we do? Do we stop looking the other way, do we stop accepting the lies of politicians just to have something to believe in as a form of hope for a better future even if deep down we know its not true? Yes, we should. I believe we should begin to seriously analyzing our standards for who we chose to lead our country and start really looking into these politician’s morals instead of just the appearance they carry of morals.
In order for a politician to accomplish their main goal they must simply lie. That doesnt mean we have to get use to the idea of lying or accept it, but people tend to feel more comfterble with the idea that something will change. People like to be told what they want to hear in order for them to have that hope that they are promised a better future. Though there shouldnt be exceptions in lying, it is two different things when a politicians says he will do something then to actually commiting to doing it. We as people still have a choice to decide who we want, now if there was all this mistrust and not believeing that not one politician is going to go through with it there will be no progress. So basically just becuase we promise people the tuth doesnt mean others will go along with that truth. Everyone has different moral values and if this isint something that affects them they wont care enough to tell the truth. So unfortunatly as much as we may want ot change this we have to start going along with them.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don’t think it is necessary for a politician to lie because at the end of their term, they’re known for lying and not completing the things they promised to do before they were elected. I think they should really think about what matters most and speak sincerely about that matter and how they plan to change it. They don’t need to make promises to the people because in the end, the people will be disappointed. When picking who to vote for, we are taking a chance because we believe in them and that they will make a change, now it depends on who actually meant what they said and who didn’t. For instance, Obama promised a lot of things, and at the end of his term he decides to try and put them into action, why wait for the last minute when you had four years to accomplish them. I just feel like if we have a candidate that is fully committed to this country and to the well being of every citizen, and then there wouldn’t be a need to lie. Its not something we need to get used to, its something our politicians need to stop doing because at the end of the day, they get nothing accomplished and we’re still in the same place we were in when they got elected.
DeleteBrittany Ferguson
ReplyDeletePHI2604,MWF,11-11:50
Triff
Most people think that politicians lie a lot. Honestly, I think that some lie because they are in a competition. For example, some politicians lie on others because they don't want to take the blame for something. They know that they can get away with mostly anything and that it may make them look better than other candidates. Politicians get away with lying because most of the time they try to cover up their lying with facts and examples to make their lie seem reasonable. Sometimes they do not get away with lying because someone catches them in their speeches. Most of the time politicians think that they can get away with lying because we the people just want to hear positive things that's going to benefit our future. Unfortunately, I do not think that lying is the best thing to do for politicians.
When the word politics or politicians comes to mind, we just thinks of a fraudulent system or an individual who is a politician. Is lying right ? by no means, but we can't seem to avoid the action. Politicians tend to makes promises that seems believable simply to get the voters on their side. Is that right ? No . It have consequences such as, making a promise to someone and you're not able fulfill it, lying about oneself or someone else. It's just apart of the system. But now, lying is simply is a form of truth to get accepted or to avoid our mistakes in life because some people don't want to be responsible for there mistakes. Politicians seem to believe that lying is the only way , but it is not. If we accept those lies as truth by not having the slightest idea if it's plausible, then we are delusional. We can't discern from what is something that is being told is or what am i seeing is actually in it's true form. In the end,will always perceive politicians as liars ? or not . who knows ?
ReplyDeleteMost of the time when people think about politics and politicians, the first thought that comes to our mind is how much they lie to us and how come they never solve the problems they said they would during election time. Unfortunately it is true, but I don’t blame them because the world of politics is much more complex than what we might think. First of all, when they run for elections they are in a competition and their ultimate goal is to win that competition no matter what. In order to win that competition they need our votes, therefore, to get our votes they have to lie to us. According to studies, people are more likely to believe in a person when that person tells them what they want to hear, and that is exactly what politicians do to us; they tell us what we want to hear. They have the power to make us believe, because we as human beings have the necessity to believe in something or someone that will solve all our problems. That is why politicians get away with lying, because we might even become deaf toward ideas we don’t want to hear, and we might even justify the lies of the politicians we are supporting. Finally when politicians win the elections that is when they really start thinking about how they will solve a nation’s problems. Sometimes the problem is that in order to make a change politicians need the support of other branches of the government and that is not an easy task to achieve. When they realize time is up and they could not solve all the problems they intended to solve, that is when we get disappointed and call them liars. It is impossible to make everyone happy and to solve all the problems of a country, so yes they will lie to us to get there and try to do something and we will believe them.
ReplyDeleteWe can’t just accept that lies are part of politics. We have to acknowledge that it happens, and at the same time do what we can to bring an end to it. When lies are told, we must speak out and act out. An effective and easy way to get the lies out of politics is by exercising our vote. If we vote against those who lie we will send a message that lying won’t get you elected. This might be easier said than done, of course. What do we do when we’re getting lied to by all parties? We can’t leave government posts vacant after all. “Nothing worth doing is ever easy”, goes the idiom. Difficult as it may be, ridding ourselves of lying politicians is not impossible. It’s something that will take time and effort and vigilance. At the same time it’s something that will be well worth it. We need people we can trust in these positions, and we should settle for nothing less.
ReplyDeleteMichna Duval
ReplyDeletePhi2604(M,W,F 11-11:50)
To get things started, I'd like to begin by stating that politicians are known for there lies or sneaking around the truth. Politicians don't care about the wrong of lies but they tell you what you want to hear so they gain your vote.I believe there are four real reasons why politicians lie which are 1.gain votes, 2.appealing ethos, 3.they give white lies, meaning to say untrue things to capture an audiences attention, and 4.to get the trust of the people. In the eye's of a politician they are just doing their job and will do whatever is needed to establish credibility to get the job done. Politicians are like car salesmen who get paid to persuade people to buy into what they are saying or simply rely on them. In the end, it all goes back to perception you have of that person. People will buy into or listen to what they want to hear, so politicians will do whatever they can to get people to like them.
Marline Rios
ReplyDeletePHI 2604
MWF
11:00 – 11:50
Politicians are always lying. They just want to tell us what we want to hear and then do the opposite. Once they convince us to be on their side and once they get elected the true colors start to come out. Then we figure it’s too late to change our minds. Their main goal is to gain voters and win the election. They promise so many things and them four years are up and they country is in the same condition or even worse. We know this happens in politics and when it comes to making a vote it can be hard, simply because both candidates may be lying. The question is, which one will really do what was promised?
In my opinion, I don’t agree with Politicians lying to our country. I don't believe you need to lie to get the American people to agree with you or vote for you. Now, I am not naive and I know that a majority of the politicians have lied over some time whether in campaign, office or at any other point in time. I believe they do it because they figure people will eventually forget or forgive them when they do something that betters this country. They don't see the part where there will be consequences and cost the U.S. billions of dollars. For instance, when they stated that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and until this day one has not been found. Politicians will keep lying until we stand together and make them stop. We should be able to hold each of them accountable for what they publicly say to our country.
ReplyDeleteDo your posts kids. It all adds up in the end!
ReplyDeleteErnesto Ferris mwf 11/11:50
ReplyDeleteAs said on the post, politics is a stage. With that being said, politics is also a popularity contest of sorts. While not necessarily lying, it's a trend that politicians and candidates tend to say different things in different parts of the U.S. (i.e. a more conservative, "pro-family" rhetoric in middle states and liberal, pro-choice/equality speech in the more coastal liberal states) in order to collect votes. That's what sets the stage for "lying", and broken promises.
Along with that, scandals such as them misdirecting our countries fuel our society to be driven into a jaded rage when it comes to politics. We as a society accept this yet get outraged? Why? Because "they're politicians". I think if we as a society continue to be indifferent and abstain from keeping up with politics, this parade of lies will never cease.
Tiffany Garcia MWF 11-11:50
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, politicians take lying to the highest levels. Politics really is a popularity contest, with each candidate saying everything that can appeal to the demographic that they are targeting that day. For example, if a candidate is speaking in Miami one day, he will say that Latinos are a great addition to the U.S. and they make it a unique place to live in. The next day when he or she is speaking in a place like Alabama they will say that the U.S. needs to get rid of Latinos and immigrants because they do not belong there. Every day for them is a sway of lies to eventually grab votes from the people who have generally agreed with at least one lie they have told, or promises that they have made, which may or may not be delivered, depending on the profoundness of the lie. The lies are a cycle that will always continue no matter what.
Geraldine Flores
ReplyDeletePHI 2604
M,W,F 11:00-11:50
When I think about politicians, the first word that comes to mind is “liars.” The best politicians are the one that can deceive the public. When I think about the presidential election that occurs every four years, I think the winner is the one that makes the most outrageous promises because most of the time, these promises never see the light or day. In my opinion, politicians should be honest. Our country is not what it used to be, so a change needs to take place. In Obama’s Labor Day speech, he made it clear that the time for action is now. Politicians need to start working together. They need to stop the lies and come out with the truth so that the public is aware of the country’s problems. Ignorance is not bliss in this case.
Many many Americans are aware that politicians are liars. Campaign after campaign we are promised lies, and Americans are led on to believe that these politicians will give us what we need, and ask for. But year after year we have the promises that are given to us, be broken, and yet again we are mad and disappointed but the little success that our politicians make. So, in my personal opinion I detest lying. And for a politician to lie to an entire country on promises that we not only want but need is completely absurd. It's unethical, immoral, low, shameful, and completely ridiculous. What's highlighted to me in this blog post is how and why do politicians get away with lying? It's not right yet we let it happen, and not only that but it directly affects us, and out families. So what can we do? What should we do? I don't think pointing fingers would get us anywhere. But making Americans more aware of lying, could possibly lead them to protesting. But as for other options or solutions I wouldn't know what to do. I am completely against politicians lying to us. We depends on these people to make our lives possible and easier for us.
ReplyDeleteloriet martinez
ReplyDeletePoliticians get away with lying because we, the people, allow them too. We as people, like hearing what we want to hear. So all the politicians have to do is say something we want, and they’ll probably get our votes. When they are asked a question in regard to their promises and what not, they simply just restate the question and twist it in a way that it sounds like they’re answering the question asked when they’re really just saying what they want to hear. I believe they get away with lying because they aren’t questioned enough about their promises. Aside from that, during a campaign politicians have to say a lot, they need to propose a different thing every place they go to get the support of those people, and when it comes down to their term, they might not have enough time to accomplish everything proposed because of how our whole political system works.
A lie is a lie no matter what. Sometimes in life to get to where you want to be you have to lie. A little white lie, politicians might say. We as the people should go for the truth because as stated whoever runs politics has a say in our everyday life. And we don’t want a liar to be representing and speaking for us. It might be the way of the game but if we demand, by voting, an honest politician we might improve how they run the game. We shouldn’t turn our heads and let this continue. By supporting campaigns that let the truth be told about political parties, we could increase the awareness. There is no getting use to lies; you as a person hate to be lied to, why would you accept to believe the lies of a future president. Politicians might get away with lying when they do their campaign speeches but if we carefully listen and analyze at the end if what they said could be done or it’s the truth, we wouldn’t vote for them. They might notice the people are changing their opinion and votes, and so they should change to.
ReplyDeleteVictoria Rosante
ReplyDeleteIn a more perfect world, politicians wouldn't lie. We expect our leaders to be honest and loyal. But most of us know that is not the case and we let them get away with it. Most of the time, they get away with it because people are uninformed about what is actually going on; But other times we just blatantly ignore the fact that they are lying and let them get away with it. I don't believe that just because politicians are who they are that its okay for them to lie to us. Some people might be scared to oppose them but after all it is the smartest thing to do, if we let them do what they want we will eventually have no control over any of our nations decisions. Lies only get bigger after all.
Accepting the lying game of politics is quite a comformist attitude. As human beings, we have a commitment to the truth--as we deserve it. Politics by definition is: 1.The activities associated with the governance of a country or area. It's a matter of making decisions to take actions for the well being of a society. With that in mind, prosperity and perseverance become a main priority for governance. If that is essential for true politicians, lying will only push our country away from succeeding in all it's fundamental aspects. Creating a false reality will only hinder our success. Politicians should keep in mind that politics isn't theater, a popularity contest, power, or a lucrative careeer. It is well being of the human beings that have chosen them to represent them.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Sanchez
ReplyDelete1-29-12
MWF 11:00-11:50
PHI2604
I beleive it is appalling that politicians lie to the very people that they represent. Most Americans agree that we deserve the truth at all times, however with such competition in political races lying or ommiting things on purpose has become so mainstream that it is farfetched for us to beleive it will change anytime soon. This has caused many Americans to lose interest in politics and lose trust in their representatives and their government. This is very concerning because it makes us doubt the validity of our deomocracies if everyone has to vote for the person who is the smoothest in dodging the tough question and who is the most appealing liar. To add to all this dishonesty, even the media, who should be uncovering the lies, seem to be more concerned with bashing the candidate they oppose and portraying the one they approve of as flawless than uncovering the truth. With all the lying in politics and in the media it isn't surprising when people excuse themselves for lying because "everyone does it"
“The guy who wins the always the one who can make the best lies” I believe politicians lies because lying works for them to go away with the population. We are expecting too much from them, so they have to lie to us. They lie to exhibit a certain behavior, the behavior of making promises that they don’t have any intention of keeping them. Suppose politicians ran for a place in the government, he didn’t make any promises to the population all he said is ‘I intend to try my best” and I’m very hopeful that we’ll be able to achieve this”. Would you vote for that person, I believe the answer would be No, because he doesn’t give any promises that he will do certain things for the good of the population. Politicians don’t care about lying they just want to tell you what you want to hear. Unfortunately, I don’t believe lying is the best thing for politicians to do.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePolitics is a vicious game where the politician must do everything he can to get ahead. Politicians attack their fellow competitors during debates and lie straight in the faces of the American public. When did it become okay for politicians to lie? It became okay for politicians to lie when the public accepted it and sadly it has become the norm. The public wants to believe everything that comes out of the politician's mouth because they are meant to help us. Lately I have noticed that a politician will do anything to have power and not thinking of the greater good in the end. The politician is only thinking of himself to get ahead and lying in the process. An entire debate can arise about lying but a politician has no excuse to lie. With all the lying going on in the politics game its hard for me to choose the right candidate or to believe anything anymore. To me everything coming from politicians is a lie. The American public should not accept that politics equals a lie. The public should become more informed on the issues in this country rather than just listening to the dirty lies that politicians throw in our faces.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I believe that many of the politicians lie, but there are others who do not lie. For instance, President George W. Bush promised "tax relief means new jobs for Americans", well as you can see that did not help. Moreover, the lies that republican nominees are saying about each other just to win the presidential candidacy. On the other hand, many of the promises become a lie, not because they lie, it is because they could not accomplish it by any means. So at the end it is better not to believe anything the politicians promise, most of the time those promises are lies.
ReplyDeleteAndres bonilla
ReplyDeletePhi2604
I personally believe that politicians both democratic and republican should always tell the truth in their campaign or for what ever reason their in the new for. I believe that a lot more people would respect not nay as a politician but as a person as well. Unfortunately in politics no one ever tells the truth. Especially in campaigns where each party stats to make rumors about their opponents most of the times lies but we as a nation buy into these type of things. So we accept to be lied t. Overall personally I would like to see more honesty or complete honesty from both I think that would lead to a brother future.
Politicians are always lying to the public and this has been true for centuries. For example, when the presidential nominees are competing against each other they constantly bash the other nominees, lying about the others through false commercials and false information to make themselves look better. Who can blame them; it is human nature to do whatever it takes to survive, no matter who we may have to go through to accomplish this. Politicians also lie because they know what people like to hear and they exploit this by telling us a lot of empty promises they know they will not fulfill. Once again who can blame them for doing this, they know people are looking for quick fixes to a lot of problem we have and know that if they say something we do not agree with, they will not be in their position of power or candidates for a position for long. I understand why they do this but, I would rather have politicians who tell it like it is then lie to my face about what they want to do, because every decision they make effects my future and everyone else as well.
ReplyDeletePoliticians get away with lying because they want to bring appeal for people in public eye. For better or for worse, politicians will sensationalize or downright lie to make themselves look more attractive. I sense that when people are in a state of power or trying to buy points as a candidate, they will need to say things to get the public's approval. Politicians are powerful leaders who people look upon as being trustful, however, these days they seem to be more susceptible to their unlawful actions. It is difficult in retracing steps back when the public has lost respect for you. In the case of former presidential candidate, John Edwards, he is a disgraced politician who committed adultery on his wife. Eventually, his mistress became pregnant with his child and he dropped out of the race. A figure like John lost the integrity and trust of his colleagues and supporters. This kind of situation is one of the many which make politicians get away with lying.
ReplyDeleteIt's true a lie is a lie. Therefor when it pertains to politics there are no exceptions when it comes to politicians. Politicians are supposed to be leaders and model citizens, so coming before a crowd and just blatantly lying because it sounds better is not okay. The people need to hear the truth and not just what sounds good. Whether it be a hyperbolic lie,lying under oath, or even the example where Colin Powell was deceived; they all still lied. Colin Powell's situation can be seen in different views being that he was deceived in believing in something that was not true. In my opinion, there should have been more background knowledge on his part on the weapons of mass destruction before he came to the people with this piece information. Many of us accept these lies because that's what they want to hear. Politicians will continue to lie because for them lying works and most time they get away with it. Another issue that can be as dishonest as lying is evading. Politicians tend to answer questions without actually answering the question at all. They can do it so smoothly that you may not even notice. We all have to have some form of commitment to truth. It is up to us whether we are going to continue believing the lies we are told.
ReplyDeleteDiana Abraham
ReplyDeletePHI 2604 MWF 11-11:50am
From my point of view, a lie is a lie no matter how big or small it is. In this situation, dealing with politicians is a very interesting topic because here in the U.S. people know that politicians lie all the time, especially when they are running for president. So then why do they even bother voting for them? I guess it’s because there are citizens and they know they have to do it, at least vote for “the one” who will be the best for our country. Politicians try to make promises and make it seem as if things will change if people vote for them but in reality it is way more complicated than they can imagine. Also, in the end they can’t make all those promises they thought they were going to do because if they win, the president doesn’t make “all” the decisions, its Congress. I believe the politicians know what they’re getting themselves into but they know one way or another they have to say “little” lies to get people’s votes. I disagree with the fact that they have to lie to get to the American people. I guess they have continued to lie over and over again throughout the years because people forget about “the situation” that happen. In the end, if politicians can just speak out with the truth I believe better things would fall in place.
Estrella Alvarado
ReplyDeleteMWF
Perhaps, to some politicians those promises are only a "possibility" to the people in case absolutely everything goes well. "As planned". Would that be considered lying? There are many answers to that question. Politicians get away with lying because people are desperate for answers and solutions. Things that seem to be completely out of their power, suddenly becomes nearly a reality. Lying has become a norm in politics. People, I for instance have given up on them. There is no such thing as complete honesty in politics in my opinion. With the long perfectly written speeches, it is difficult to separate truth from lie.
Valentin Auzanneau
ReplyDeletePHI2604
When we refer to politics, we symbolize politicians as liers. Indeed, in order for them to reach their objectives and get the attention of their audience, lying seems to be inevitable. Is lying moraly correct? is it acceptable in our society? Well I personally believe that lying isn't moraly incorrect if it maximizes the happiness of the majority. Politicians are not as evil as we may think they are. They have a goal and they use all the necessary tools to reach that goal just like all of us in our life.
I believe that when it come to politics, there is always some sort of lying that occurs. In politics, you always have to hide or bend the truth a little, because the public can't always know what really happens in the inside. So because of that I think that a certain degree of lying is totally fine with me as long as it's not something too serious. When Al Gore said "that he created the internet" is totally fine with me because it's not a life threatening thing so he could lie to a certain point, but the truth is that most people would believe that he's exaggerating a lot. There is one thing that is certain when it comes to politics. When ever there is someone trying to get into it, there will always or most of the time be a few things associated with it, and lying is definitely one of them. The others I believe are much more serious offenses, such as corruption and theft. When you compare lying to these two things and as long as it's not too serious, than politics can and will get away with lying.
ReplyDelete