My high school English teacher had us write an essay entitled "Is Truth a Moral Absolute?" This was the first time it had ever occured to me that it might not be. I was surprised again when my CCD instructor told us that it's not a sin to lie if the information is none of the inquirer's business. Heresy! But when you think about it, what parent wouldn't lie to a home invader demanding to know where their child is hiding?
Many years and evolutions later, as the Monica Lewinski scandal was unfolding, I (along with many other Americans) was more appalled by the amount of time and energy being spent on the investigation than about the incident itself - and remained not particularly scandalized that Clinton lied under oath (an oath sworn under duress). Certainly it was illegal and certainly it is immoral to bear false witness against someone, but the premise upon which they purloined the right to ask the question was as flimsy as cotton candy.
We could write volumes about the insufferable hypocrisy of the Repulicans on these matters. With regard to Weinergate, the big complaint on both sides is that Congressman Weiner lied. Granted, he lied more aggressively than Lady Macbeth. But it's what I would call a "death grip" lie. The last panicked attempt of a drowning man to save himself. He wasn't trying to sell anyone the Brooklyn Bridge. Or a war in Iraq.
The Last Word's Lawrence O'Donnell had a guest on last week who dared to articulate what's been at the back of my mind through all this: By its very nature infidelity encompasses deceit - like a drug problem when drugs are illegal. That someone would lie about it is not necessarily an indication that they would lie about other things.
Polls indicate that the majority of his constituents still trust him to look out for their interests. To me that defines an honest politician. Although he has addressed his compulsion by getting treatment, pressure from his colleagues will probably force him to resign. Sad.
