One lie often leads to others, as several public leaders have learned in recent years.
What does it take to get people to realize the importance of telling the truth?
Richard Nixon probably would have been able to complete his term in office if he had told the truth about the Watergate break-in. But because he chose to lie about the situation, investigations were launched, and eventually Nixon was forced to resign.
President Clinton, a man said to be obsessed with how he and his presidency will be viewed by historians, chose to lie about many matters. He lied to the public about his sexual activity in the White House, lied to members of his cabinet, to members of Congress and even to his family. He was impeached, although on the surface it doesn't appear to have altered his attitude or behavior. How it will affect the way history looks at his presidency and his vice president's campaign for the presidency remain to be seen.
Clearly, Clinton's continual policy is to lie or deny. This is bound to hurt him, color his reputation and damage the office of the president.
Now, we learn the FBI has been caught in a big lie. For years, FBI officials have said no incendiary devices were used in the siege of the Branch Davidian compound outside Waco, Tex. But a few days ago, the Dallas Daily News carried a report in which a former official acknowledged such weapons were, indeed, used. Shortly thereafter, FBI officials said, yes, military-type pyrotechnic devices were used.
Once a person lies, how can he be believed in the future? For example, how can Clinton be believed when he is known to have lied many times on many matters in past years. How can the FBI be believed?
Many say it is one thing, really something to be expected, for a politician to lie. Consider all the campaign promises and pledges made only to attract votes with no real intent to carry through on the promises. Clinton certainly followed this plan in his campaign, and maybe thought he could get away with similar actions in his sexual conduct. This time, however, he got caught, and his reputation dropped to a new low.
In the case of the FBI, it may be an even more serious matter. This country and its citizens must have the highest respect for those in law enforcement, whether at local police and sheriff's departments, all levels of our courts and in an organization such as the FBI.
Telling the truth is important, critically important, and the FBI loses the respect and trust of the public when it lies.
This is a serious matter and one that should be corrected and punished in a forceful way. There is no room or justification for lies by FBI officials.
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