Ethics
and Politics
What is so difficult about being an
elected official and conducting your affairs in
an ethical manner? I use the term, "affairs," to refer
to one's business
practices, not one's romantic
entanglements.
Is it that we are electing
charlatans??? Is it that our society has
lost its moral
compass?? Is it that, in our current way of life, it's,
"Everyone for
themselves???" Or, perhaps, is it that NO ONE has been
paying attention for
years and years, and, that's
the way that our political process has been
operating?
Ethics is not as complicated
as some would like for you to believe.
The basic
premise is pretty
simple. Do what you are paid to do. Do not accept ANY other
compensation, from anyone,
for doing your job. State your opinion
clearly. It
should coincide with what
your electorate has stated prior to your election. Do
not change your opinion
because: Someone offers you money; or a
future
position; or college funds
for your children or grandchildren; or an amazing
vacation in Europe , or North
Carolina
reason, other than, new
facts have arisen which have altered the field of
consideration.
Ethics is not
complicated. It is BASIC HONESTY. If you have to, "ask for an
opinion" from a
"higher authority," you might just as well assume that it is
UNETHICAL. Apply the
"smell test" to whatever you're questioning. "What
would any constituent think
if they were faced with the situation that I'm in?"
What would your Mom think,
or your grandmother??? If you think that
most
people would think that
there's "something else" going on here, then you
should back off. Perception is reality. If the general public thinks that what
you're doing is wrong, step
back. Change the perception before you
attempt to
do what you have been trying
to do.
A reputation is very difficult to
maintain, let alone rebuild. One
misstep, or
perceived misstep, WILL change the progress of your life. Decisions are made
on a daily basis. As a politician, one must realize that each
and every decision
will affect your future. It's the same with non-political people,
however, their
decisions only affect their lives...and
those of their familial and social circles.
Their reputations are discussed by a
limited circle of acquaintances. A decision
made by an elected official will affect
the living conditions of an entire
community, for a very long time. Their reputations may be destroyed, however,
the ramifications for their constituents
may be immeasurable. Taxes, education,
traffic, and community ambiance
may be
changed with the casting of just one
vote.
An ethical commissioner, representative, senator, or board member could,
by their ethical position, do so much to
assure that their constituency was being
served, that their voices were being
heard, and that their political views were
being heard.
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