Speaking Wisdom

Raoul’s Two Cents: October 3, 2025

Liar Liar Pants on Fire

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

I was shocked at the arrogance of some politicians in recent videos. Here in the US and other advanced countries, politicians and businessmen (who have enriched themselves) constantly lie through their teeth as though there were no consequence. And what’s even more remarkable is that there are people who actually believe them.

There was a recent typhoon in the Philippines. Towns were flooded, many homes were lost and people drowned. The Filipinos went up in arms against the abusive politicians who they accused of pocketing funds that should have gone to flood control. These unremorseful, untouchable, expensively dressed politicians who were brought to court defiantly defended their dignity and innocence. Great actors every one of them. And to add insult to injury, they’re probably getting away scott-free.

I encourage you to watch a light-hearted documentary available in Amazon Prime: The Giant Beast That is The Global Economy. Look for Episode 8: A Global Corruption Tour. Hard to believe there are people so callous and entitled.

I don’t think I’d make a good politician. I remember Prep school when I still didn’t know how to lie. I was riding a school bus with much older students. One of the rowdy ones threw a glass bottle outside and the teacher on board stopped the bus and demanded to know who did it. Nobody said anything. I was frozen with my hands on my side as I sat in the big bus chair. Unconsciously, my little finger went up and pointed at the older boy. The teacher saw it. Everyone else saw it. The rebel was disciplined. Later, all the other boys were mocking me because of what I had done. It didn’t last long because they realized I was an innocent lamb who didn’t know the rules of silence and protection. My honesty could have turned out real bad for me but I had a much older uncle whom everyone feared.

It’s easy to judge and condemn others but consider this: Have you ever told a lie? Does a bear poop in the woods? Of course! Everybody lies! Everyone has lied at some point in their lives. Remember the 1997 Jim Carrey movie, Liar Liar? The movie demonstrates that there are times when we may need to lie for the better good. For instance, if a man’s 300 lb wife asks if she is fat, should he tell her the truth? Have you lied about your income to the IRS? Have you lied about your age to get a discount? Have you exaggerated your resume?

Corrie ten Boom is famous for her honesty. In the 1940s, her family was arrested for hiding Jews from the Nazis. Earlier during the occupation, her family lied about not owning a radio in order to keep abreast with the war news. Shouldn’t they have also lied to protect themselves? Where’s the consistency?

Who decides who lies? You? Me? A judge? What do you think? I honestly don’t know. But I do know two things. 1) You can’t fool God. And justice may not be apparent in this lifetime but it will certainly show up in the afterlife. Not to worry. 2) Our salvation is based on who Christ is to us and not on how honest we are. And that’s the truth!

But this is just me. TGIF people!

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Quotes of the Week

“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.” — APJ. Abdul Kalam

“The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference.” — Bess Myerson

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned” — John 3:18

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, California

Videos of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Thanks to Beth of Tempe, Arizona

Parting Shots

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, California

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Andrew of Virginia Beach

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Mona of New York

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!

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