Lying is a human trait that comes to us early in life. As parents, we know this when a child with a chocolate-smeared face claims he or she did not eat the candy bar and has no idea how the wrapper ended up under the pillow. In a court of law, that evidence may be circumstantial, but in parent’s court – you’re busted.

As we mature and solidify our moral and ethical boundaries, substantive lies become less acceptable and lies of self-praise are frowned upon and considered a sign of immaturity.

The intersection of lies and politics is particularly troubling. We expect our community leaders at all levels of government to speak truthfully as a primary requirement of their commitment to represent us. Truth-telling is the foundation of trust between us and our government. Sadly, it has been some time since I could say without reservation that I trust that my government represents my interests as a citizen.

There have been too many lies, too much misdirection, and too much hiding the ball to accept government statements, speeches, and late-night rants on faith. Everything requires third-party confirmation and often fails the test. In government, if we don’t have truth, we have nothing. I’m exhausted trying to keep up and long for the day when truth matters to those who claim to lead.

We’ve learned this lesson from many in the past, from Marcus Aurelius through to George Washington, but one source that seems apt for our time comes from George Orwell:

In times of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.

When truth is considered revolutionary, we have fallen far.

*****

Kevin Deeny

 

Author’s Note:  This was originally published in the Bucks County Herald on May 7, 2026.