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You know the Parson Weems’ story, and you may recall the famous Grant Woods painting which so strongly reinforced the message of the story.  Six-year old George Washington tries out his new hatchet by chopping down his father’s pet cherry tree. His father asks who did it.  (He probably knew.) The boy says famously, “I cannot tell a lie. I did it.” He is not scolded because his father is greatly pleased that George has such high ethical standard.

No one thinks the story is true. Maybe it could have been; maybe not. What is important is that it has been used down through the years to tell little boys that they should be honest. Now there is a need for that, for little boys tend to be dishonest. And bigger boys, and their fathers and, in fact, most people, for dishonesty is far more natural than honesty.  Perhaps boys lie to avoid punishment. It is more likely that older men lie to make money. Many men tell many lies to make much money.

There are many contemporary examples of this as the news media report day after day. All over the world. There are many examples, ironically, in that city named after that honest little boy.  It will never end, but will it ever even slow down a little? Is there a way up?