Have you been taught that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all?  So, these words of wisdom teaches us to be respectful of people's feelings and views, and we learn empathy.  We also figure out that things we say can p*** people off.  Most important, we learn it's never too late to change.  

So, here is our two pennies on Washington.  One, if they can't tell the truth, then they will surely find some other way to say it so that it's difficult to call them liars.  Two, money and re-election is truth to many, and everything else seems to take a back seat.  Add up the two pennies, and nothing gets done.