"To be fair, lying is part and parcel of public life. Every politician has lied about something because they are owned by the special interest groups that finance their elections"

Peter Schuyler’s assertion reflects a deep-seated cynicism about the functioning of democratic politics and the integrity of those who govern. By suggesting that lying is an inseparable part of public life, Schuyler highlights the prevalent belief that dishonesty is almost a necessary survival skill for anyone navigating the treacherous waters of politics. Politicians, ostensibly chosen to serve the public good, often find themselves striking a precarious balance between the expectations of their constituents and the demands imposed by those who fund their campaigns, namely, special interest groups.

The reference to politicians being “owned” by these groups conveys the idea that financial contributions wield significant influence over political behavior and policy decisions. This notion challenges the ideal of representative democracy, where the elected should act as the voice of the people, independent of undue external pressures. Instead, campaign financing becomes a powerful tool, and donors with vested interests expect returns in the form of favorable legislation or regulatory leniency. The politician, in turn, is compelled to tailor their public messaging and policy positions, a process that frequently requires the manipulation or distortion of the truth.

Lying, then, morphs from a personal failing into a systemic necessity, a tactic employed to simultaneously placate the electorate and satisfy powerful backers. Voters are often fed select portions of the truth or outright falsehoods to conceal compromises and to create an appealing public image. This dynamic corrodes public trust, eroding the foundational principle that government should be accountable and responsive to communal needs. Schuyler’s candor thus serves as a somber reminder of the structural flaws embedded in contemporary political systems, where transparency is overshadowed by expedience, and the noble aims of public service are all too often sacrificed at the altar of political survival.