Not a Boron or a Pro-Boris. Not a Tory Freak. Not a Labour Fencesitter. Not Lib-Dem. Not a Democrat. Not a Republican. It is all the same. Values. Virtues. Veneers.
The UK is stuck in a death spiral believing the world waits for it. Hegemons – past, declining, and present – are all delusional that the once-all-roads leading to them are forever. It is quite simply, not.
You must and are welcomed and obligated almost, to force the political leadership of failing governments to call for a national general election! AND! The most important AND!
DO NOT VOTE!
NO WINNING LANDSLIDE! JUST AN OBLIVION OF SILENCE!
SOUND THE RESOUNDING COLLECTIVE VOICE!
WE! DO! NOT! BELIEVE! IN! ANY! OF! YOU!
We refuse to believe! That countries with millions of citizens are boiled down to choosing the same old, same old.
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Politicians are quick to accuse their opponents of being dishonest and spreading misinformation. Yet ironically, politicians themselves are often guilty of the very same sins. There is a perception among many that politicians routinely lie, mislead, and spin the truth for their own political gain.
But why the struggle?
- The incentive to win. Politicians are heavily incentivized to do whatever it takes to win elections and advance their careers. If being dishonest or manipulative achieves that goal, the temptation is great. It is easy to justify small lies and misleading statements if they help you win.
- Pandering. Politicians frequently pander to voters and interest groups. They tell audiences what they want to hear in order to gain support, rather than what the politician really believes or intends to do. This is a form of dishonesty and misdirection.
- “Spinning” and selective truth-telling. Politicians often “spin” information and events to portray themselves or their parties in the best light. They selectively share information and omit key details that would make them look bad. While not outright lying, this is a form of deception.
- “Lying by proxy.” Politicians frequently repeat and spread misinformation initially shared by others in their party or ideological camp. Even if they don’t create the deception themselves, by spreading it further they make themselves complicit in the dishonesty.
- Conflict avoidance. It is rare for politicians to directly contradict or call out the dishonesty of others in their own party. They don’t want to invite conflict or appear disloyal. But by failing to address deception within their ranks, politicians enable further dishonesty.
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In the end, while politicians condemn dishonest opponents, the truth is that political dishonesty is widespread. Politicians are either actively lying and misleading or at least complicit in the dishonest system they are a part of. Of course, there are exceptions, but in general, politicians struggle to live up to the honesty and integrity that voters expect.
