DOUBLE STANDARD: Americans Can Face Federal Charges for Lying to Congress, but Members of Congress Can Mislead the Entire Country and Walk Away UNTOUCHED!
Knowingly making materially false statements to Congress or lying under oath is already a crime. Senators and representatives, however, receive constitutional protection for statements they make during sessions under the Speech or Debate Clause.
That was meant to preserve legislative independence, not give politicians free reign to recklessly lie and deceive the voters they serve. If lawmakers deliberately lie to manipulate public policy, Congress must impose REAL consequences. Accountability should apply to EVERYONE!
If accountability applies to the people, it should apply to those in power too. No double standards.
* Truth should matter on both sides of the podium. Accountability should never be one-way.
* Lying to Congress can have consequences. So why should misleading the public be treated differently?
* One standard for everyone. Power should never come with immunity from accountability.
* Democracy only works when truth and accountability apply to everyone — including Congress.
* If citizens are expected to tell the truth, public officials should be held to the same standard.
