I expected this kind of answer.
I understand you think this way, but for me a lie is a lie, and the bigger the subject, the bigger the problem I have with it.

im politically neutral derf: I believe they're all lying scumbags

I don't know if any of you ever read Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, but I did for my english A-Level. Basically it's kinda describing the whole ideal of having no rich, no poor. And after I read that, I realised I'd love to live in a world where that was possible. But it aint gonna happen. Because its human nature that one person will attempt to be 'better' than everyone else. So I just put up with the moronic leaders, ignore what they are trying to do and get on with what I'm doing. I'll follow the rules and laws, but I don't have to like their decisions, and I sure don't have to believe a word they say.

Besides, if I was Bush, i'd probably stage it. If you invaded someones country, even with good intentions, and then it all went wrong, I don't think people would let you off lightly... and in his shoes, I would not want to find out what the repercussions would be.

@ 11b. If Clinton lied under oath, does that not tell you that an oath is useless.

@ Pev. Such a world is certain, in the far future.

The oath might be useless but it is the last stance for truth. I mean its the only place you would at least expect someone to tell the truth. And its a benchmark into someones intergity.

The oath is almost like a lie dector, you assume both of them are correct.

the fact we need oaths to 'make sure' someone tells the truth sucks in the first place. if you can't trust someone without the oath, you sure as hell can't trust 'em under it.

yea, but lying isn't a criminal offense normally. It is an offense when you're caught lying under oath.

I think the oath thing is more so you can punish people for lying, since everyone lies under normal circumstances.

Ok then. With consideration of the apparent lack of effectiveness of the 'oath' i must agree however that it does reduce the chance of lying to some extent.