BTW, dishonest liar is a bit redundant. You are not the arbiter of my integrity. You should have a little respect for the opinions and beliefs of others. You may need a safe space.
To justify Teds actions using the fact that everybody does it is supporting dishonest behavior.
Usually, not a problem, but once a person elevates themselves to a morally higher standard, and uses that false elevation to deceive the gullible , he might want to work harder to keep the truth a little more sacred.