They've always been honest... its just that they do not teach you what the things mean in school.

Why is there a pyramid and all seeing eye on the back of dollars?

What is a note?
Who is the Federal Reserve?

Why does it have to say that it is "legal tender"?

Why does it have two seals?

Why doesn't our dollars have Buzz Lightyear on them? A hero, Instead of dead, really evil people?