I agree with the statement that Americans are becoming a nation of liars. All one needs to do is turn on a news broadcast or pick up a newspaper to learn of the continuous frauds and shams in our society. I also must agree with the fact that this new form of immorality in our nation stems from the top. If our president can lie, then why can�t we?

I think that it says a lot about our society to have a television show called "Shame On You!" on public television.

This program is based entirely on uncovering the scandals of businessmen, businesses and corporations. The fact that this show is successful and can air many times, says not only that lying does exist in our society, but that lying is becoming a common practice today among the public masses.

Since we can say that of society has become very familiar with lies, it�s safe to conclude that the lying at the top level of our society (i.e.the President) has succeeded in trickling down. In the past years our country has had many "role models" that did not send out model messages to their followers. One need only look at Nixon who lied with Watergate, or even the Clintons who are involved in Whitewater, to see that lying is indeed a part of the "leaders" of our country. To say which came first, public or top level deception would be unfair. Since our top level was once the public, it is difficult to say which party is responsible for this downshift in our society.

Lying at the top level of society is a dangerous thing for many reasons. Firstly, these high level people are constantly in the publics� eye which observes and judges every falshood they make. Secondly, after observing these "high" officials and their lies, the public will judge them and some will come to the conclusion that it is okay to emulate them and lie as well. The simple question "If they can do it, why can�t I?" leads to what Jim Lehrer feared�"...we Americans are becoming a nation of liars."