Politicians make promises in order to get elected and reelected. Tell the people what they want to hear and they will vote for you. It doesn’t matter that the promises clash (for and against the same issue), just as long as they get elected. They can always say later that they “tried” to fulfill the promise, but something or someone else “prevented them”. By placing so-called “blame” elsewhere, they can justify their lie (if one can justify a lie - even by telling another lie – then technically it wasn’t a lie). Despite what some people may say, it’s impossible to be a politician and have integrity.
As for me, I strive to have integrity. If I make a promise, I will do my best to keep it – even if it means sacrifice on my part. I don’t claim to be perfect (I’ve told many lies in my life), but I try.
I too try not to promise anything. Promises are easy to make, but often are very costly to keep. However, if I do tell someone I will do something (such as, “I will help you move”, or, “I will pick you up and take you to work”), I will do it.
Shuhak 