The Dark Side of Elected Officials: Why Lies Prevail and the Consequences

The question of why elected officials often feel the need to lie to those who cast their votes for them is a complex one. This article explores the root causes, the scale of the issue, and the broader implications for society.

The Accountability Gap: Why Lies Persist

Electoral accountability is crucial because it ensures that officials face the consequences of their actions and statements. However, if the people fail to hold elected officials to account, the latter may feel emboldened to lie with relative impunity. This lack of accountability can be attributed to several factors:

First, people may not investigate what they hear objectively. Instead of seeking out the truth, they often opt for information that aligns with their preconceived notions or beliefs. Secondly, some individuals might prefer the lies if they benefit their party or political cause. Additionally, the scale and scope of deception by the far right extremists highlight how far the problem can go.

The Far Right's Tactics and Ignorance

The far right extremists are known for their lies and misinformation, a practice that can be traced back to their leaders. Figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, often referred to as "Orange Jesus," have openly lied about a variety of issues, from election fraud to public health crises. Their supporters, while largely ignorant, have elected leaders who continue this pattern of deception.

Legal proceedings have documented the extent of the lies and propaganda spread by these individuals. However, the larger issue lies in the political system that allows such behavior to flourish.

Politicians and the Art of Deception

While lying to get elected is not unique to any political party, the scale and frequency of lies by the far right extremists are unparalleled. Once in office, many politicians tend to prioritize their personal gain over the public good. This is evident in how they deny well-proven facts such as climate change, the need for gun control, and appropriate measures to combat the spread of infectious diseases.

The habit of lying by politicians has deep psychological and sociopolitical roots. It is often a result of selfish, shallow, and short-sighted individuals being placed in positions of power. These individuals prioritize their own interests above the collective welfare of the nation, often at the expense of public safety and trust.

The Need for Systemic Change

Given the systemic issues surrounding political lies and deception, it is clear that a fundamental change in the way our government operates is necessary. Merely addressing the symptoms, such as fact-checking or increasing transparency, is not enough. We need a new form of government that eliminates both corruption and stupidity.

Imagining a scenario where the federal government admitted the existence of extraterrestrial life, for instance, would be impossible due to the strong preferences and desires of the population. People gravitate towards politically convenient truths, often shunning the reality that lies to them, such as overpopulation, debt, environmental destruction, and individual rights.

To sum up, the prevalence of lies among elected officials is a symptom of a broader societal issue. We must strive for a system where truth, accountability, and the public good take precedence over partisan interests and self-serving narratives. Only then can we hope to restore trust in our political institutions and governance.

Keywords: elected officials, political lies, government accountability