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If politicians didn't so often offer false hope, voters wouldn't despair so much Honesty-in-politics law needed to penalize misleaders Set out below is a letter to the editor by Democracy Watch Coordinator Duff Conacher which was published in the September 28, 2010 issue of the Globe and Mail. For more details, see Democracy Watch's January 2010 op-ed. Dear Editor: Rick Salutin misses a big point about the politics of hope vs. despair (Rob Ford and the loss of hope - Sept. 24). If politicians didn't so often offer false hope through exaggerated promises and claims about what they (and government) can do to solve societal problems, voters wouldn't get so disappointed and turn on them (and turn to those who promote fear and/or despair). Unfortunately, politicians seem addicted to baiting voters with false promises.  An honesty-in-politics law with high fines for misleaders would discourage that undemocratic practice, and help build the culture of constructive shared responsibility that Salutin seeks. Sincerely, Duff Conacher, Coordinator Democracy Watch For more details, go to Democracy Watch's Honesty in Politics Campaign