As a child, I was taught that George Washington “never told a lie.” The story about Washington and the cherry tree was made up by a biographer after Washington’s death. Was this story taught in school to teach virtue, or was it taught to little children so we would grow up trusting our politicians? I have my suspicions it was both.

Telling the truth is easier than lying or even stretching the truth. You never have to question what you said to someone because you simply spoke the truth. No spinning of a story, just the simple truth.

In today’s society, “living my truth” is a popular phrase. You may live however you like, but there is only one truth. Stick with it and you’ll live with more peace.

Back to our politicians, we expect them to stretch the truth. Fiery rhetoric without substance is hollow. Like everyone, watch the actions of people. Do they align with their words? When they do align, you begin to trust them more.

Washington was careful with his words. He was a brilliant general who used deception and lies to manipulate the enemy. And we can be grateful he did, cherry tree or not…