Dwain Northey (Gen X)

It’s a basic principle most children quickly grasp: if you don’t want to be caught in a lie, the simplest solution is not to lie at all. They learn, through consequences, that dishonesty often leads to deeper trouble. And yet, when political leaders—especially someone with decades of public experience like a 79-year-old president—seem to deny this principle, the public takes notice.

Take, for example, the confusing statements around the so-called “Epstein files.” First, there’s a promise: “I will release the files.” Then a contradiction: “There are no files.” But next comes an admission: “There are files, but they’re false.” These conflicting claims don’t just raise eyebrows; they undermine public trust. If the records are fabrications created by prior administrations—as alleged—that’s a serious charge, requiring clear evidence. If they’re not, then denying their existence appears deceptive.

So how do we square this circle? The only consistent explanation is political damage control wrapped in misdirection. When truth becomes politically inconvenient, obfuscation is tempting. But in the age of digital records and public scrutiny, it’s harder than ever to bury contradictions. Children may lie to avoid punishment; leaders lie to protect power. Either way, the lesson remains the same: the truth always finds a way out.