is it ok for politicians to lie if their ultimate goal is a worthy one?

Answer 1

No. Why would they need to lie if their goal is a worthy one ??

Answer 2

First of all, what would you call a "worthy" goal? Second, I have to say that it's never OK for politicians to lie to the people, though they do it every day, of course.

As most of us know, Bush & Co. lied to start an unjust war with Iraq. Some people may say that liberating the Iraqis from Saddam Hussein was a worthy goal. No one denies that Saddam Hussein was a monster. However, there are countries all over the world that are run by monsters. Does that mean that the US should take it upon itself to "liberate" all these other countries, as well? Also, Bush told us that the war in Iraq was a part of the "War on Terror". Unfortunately, many people seem to have forgotten the simple fact that it was Osama bin Laden, not Saddam Hussein, who was responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Also, it's been nearly 5 years since the attacks took place, and bin Laden STILL hasn't been caught. It's obvious, though, that Bush & Co.'s motives for going to Iraq weren't altruistic. Iraq has one of the largest oil reserves in the world, so it's obvious why we're over there now.

Answer 3

Ends, don't normally justify means. It isn't given to an individual politician to decide whether his goal is a worthy one. The political process has to more important than the judgement of one politician. Because that's how democracy works, even if the lone politician is eventually proved to be right.

Answer 4

I think it depends on the lie, and the ultimate goal!

They may think it's worthy, but the voting public may not, and it's them who (apparently) are in charge.

Plus if they're caught out in a lie, it will undermine a lot of other things they have done that were truthfull, so I think it's best to just tell the truth, it's painful but at least it doesn't come back to haunt you once it's done.

Answer 5

Question: What politician doesn't lie? They all say that they can do better than the guy that they are running against and once they get into office they do nothing. It seems that they all lie to begin with so why should the cause matter?

Answer 6

It doesn't really matter if the reason for the lie is okay or not, -- don't worry about the (im)morality involved, -- just as long as what is meant by "worthy" is that which benefits the greatest number of existing and potential constituent voters and displeases the fewest number.

Answer 7

Whenever it's necessary you must tell a big lie,and get a lot of people to repeat over and over again that same lie Suppose you wanted to attack and invade a country Now you would'nt tell the eletorate this You wuld tell them we are going to liberate this country To sweeten the pill you'd add a few frills like this regime' has a cruel and despotic leader We will free them from this dictatorial rule The people will welcome us with open arms as thier liborators This absolute ruler has WMDs is a base for terrorism has atomic capability is a sworn enemy of israel We must defend ourselves against this tyrant The people who orchestrated this lie must keep repeating it at every opportunity to convince the people of justice of thier cause

Answer 8

NO. And who deems the goal worthy - The Liar
All politicians are liars. Enter 'liar' into a searh engine - First name you'll get is Blair. Enter 'failure' and you'll get Bush.
They're all the same

Answer 9

No. Lying may be acceptable if the agenda would be endangered by allowing it to become public knowledge but personally I have never come accross a politician I would tust to follow a laudable agenda while lying to the public.

Answer 10

No worthy cause requires a lie of any kind.