From "I Cannot Tell A Lie" To "It Was A Perfect Call"--Truth Decay In The U.S. Presidency

This legend about Washington supported an established 
truth about him as the first president.

"Thou shalt not bear false witness."

- The Bible

The legend of George Washington saying "I cannot tell a lie" (in response to his allegedly cutting down his father's cheery tree) was widely circulated because it accurately represented our first president's character.

Later Abraham Lincoln earned the title of "Honest Abe," and was reputed to have once walked six miles to return three pennies he owed a customer. This is also likely a legend, but one consistent with the first Republican president's character.

In contrast, Richard Nixon is remembered for declaring "I am not a crook," even though his actions mostly proved otherwise.

President Bill Clinton betrayed the nation's trust by insisting, "I did not have sex with that woman" and for lying about his misdeeds under oath. He later apologized for his behavior.

President Barak Obama famously promised, "You will be able to keep your doctor" when describing his wished for healthcare plan. This turned out to be false.

Then there's our current president, who refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing, and who insists his highly dubious dealings with Ukraine were "perfect." He may be remembered for having told over 15,000 documented untruths in his first three years in office.

Is there a disastrous and dangerous trend here?

Yes, not only in how untruthful our national leaders have become, but in how much dishonesty even people of faith have come to accept as a new normal.

And how quick many are to dismiss all evidence of this kind of dishonesty as being "fake news."

Kyrie Eleison. Lord, have mercy.