One big- and dismaying- change is that lying has become merely a strategy. When a falsehood is exposed, there doesn't seem to be any embarrassment involved, just kind of an 'oops', and a fresh spin. Given that kind of climate, I don't see that telling the unvarnished truth as one sees it is a winning approach. The people have become aware that at any time an oops may be forthcoming.

On a slightly different note, in this morning's paper I read that Congress has voted itself their fifth consecutive pay raise, bringing their take to $158,000 a year. When those who speak and act for us are making $12,000 a month, why are we surprised when they don't relate to the common man?