It is so amazing how cognitive dissonance can hide the reality of our intents. Truth is something most of us claim to seek, but very few of us really care about. the reality is that our goals weight more heavily than the search for truth, In some cases truth may not be on our side. politicians are a great example of how their goals are far more important than truth itself, regardless of party lines.
Politicians goals are to make all the $$$ they can, anyway they can, and weasel out of questions from those who elected them. Period.
you sum it up quiet nicely.
I must add, i have made my goal to search for truth, regardless of where it leads me. so far truth has led me here.