Why aren't elected officials considered to be under oath at all times?

[Freeper]

Orrex Donating Member (1000+ posts)  Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list    Wed Jun-15-11 05:23 PM
Original message
Why aren't elected officials considered to be under oath at all times?
   
Why, in other words, aren't they required to speak truthfully in every official capacity?

If I were caught lying in the course of performing my job, I would be dismissed by the end of the day--and rightly so.

Why am I held to a higher standard than our esteemed elected officials?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1302623

I could go for that. We could impeach 0bama and all the dems who go around lying about the Ryan plan.

[I_B_Perky]

Because the first time they opened their mouth they would go to jail for perjury. What's the old saying?  How do you know when a politician is lying... when they open their mouth.

[ExGeeEye]

"Hello," the politician lied.

...later...

"Shut up," he explained.  In support of his position, he added, "You're stupid."