The only way in which politicians can be persuaded to pay more respect to reality is by the electorate insisting on it, rewarding those whom it considers truthful and insightful, and punishing those who engage in deliberate deception. (unquote Popper)
Politicians cannot be "persuaded" by an electorate "insisting" on "reality," "rewarding" truth and "punishing" liars, unless that electorate has a reliable connection with reality beyond what the unreliable politicians (and media) tell them.
In the US we have strong "truth in advertising" laws pertaining to commerce, but none whatsoever covering political discourse. This will have to change. Political lies, perpetrated by corporate media, are steadily destroying every principle we supposedly hold dear.
Paradoxically, JK Galbraith argues that maybe "truth in advertising" laws are counter-productive because they induce the public to lower its guard and be more likely to take advertising at face value. A vivid image of what should exist acts as a surrogate for reality. Pursuit of the image then prevents pursuit of the reality -- John K. Galbraith
