- Joined
- Mar 21, 2005
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- New York, NY
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- Slightly Conservative
This is a question that I think is worth debating. Are there instances when government is entitled to lie to its citizens in order for the "good of the nation?"
One could make the argument that government should never lie to the people, and there is lots of support for that argument. Our leaders are elected by us, are trusted by us, and should return that trust by being honest in their actions and words. The fear of getting caught in lies acts as a force helping to keep leaders in line (although not as much as one would hope). Also, the job of the press is to report on the government, so if they come upon a lie the government is telling "for the good of the nation," should they be precluded from telling the people?
On the other hand, there is plenty of argument for why the government SHOULD be able to lie to the people. Our elected officials serve as representatives for us because we are entrusting in them the ability to make decisions for us. As we give them that responsibility, do they gain extra rights? Much of the most crucial actions our country takes are classified in one way or another, in order to keep information from the public. Sometimes, our leaders determine that an action must be taken for the good of the country, but said action would be politically unpalatable. Do they then have the right to lie in order to do what they feel is right?
One could make the argument that government should never lie to the people, and there is lots of support for that argument. Our leaders are elected by us, are trusted by us, and should return that trust by being honest in their actions and words. The fear of getting caught in lies acts as a force helping to keep leaders in line (although not as much as one would hope). Also, the job of the press is to report on the government, so if they come upon a lie the government is telling "for the good of the nation," should they be precluded from telling the people?
On the other hand, there is plenty of argument for why the government SHOULD be able to lie to the people. Our elected officials serve as representatives for us because we are entrusting in them the ability to make decisions for us. As we give them that responsibility, do they gain extra rights? Much of the most crucial actions our country takes are classified in one way or another, in order to keep information from the public. Sometimes, our leaders determine that an action must be taken for the good of the country, but said action would be politically unpalatable. Do they then have the right to lie in order to do what they feel is right?