When Cicero was campaigning for the Roman Senate around 65 B.C., his brother Quintus decided to write a pamphlet to help him prevail in the elections. Quintus, the astute man he was, observed that in order to become elected, those running for public office should not shrink away from offering all manner of pledges to the constituents. Said he: “People naturally prefer you to lie to them rather than refuse them your help.”

As I look back upon the recent elections, and the promises offered, especially by those new to politics, I can only conclude all candidates must have been well versed with Quintus’ pamphlet “Short Guide to Electioneering” (Commentariolum petitionis). Not much has changed in the past 2000 years.