Location: The place that Harry Henderson calls home....
Posts: 1,672
Ethics Vs. Political Power
Just to start, a little background...
Currently, and for the last 6 years, I have resided in the state of CT while attending college to earn my Doctorate.
This is quite an interesting state, situated between the city sprawls of Boston and NYC, dominated by liberal thoughts and attitudes. However, the state of CT has a Republican governor, and he does impose certain conservative agendas. Governor Rowland has always been lauded as a financial conservative, pro-life, and against pork-barrelling taxpayer money. He falls short when it comes to the environment, gun rights, and in general listening to his state constituents...
Case in point...Governor Rowland, as many of you are probably aware, is being investigated by the Federal Authorities for numerous things---embezzlement, laundering, tax-evasion, fraud, maybe perjury---and impeachment is on the state congressional horizon...
He accepted expensive gifts, free labor for various residences, awarded state jobs and contracts to family and personal friends, and in essence broke every definition of "ethical" as anyone who speaks the English language understands the word...
BUT, he and his lawyers are claiming that although he may have committed numerous "ethical lapses", he has done nothing criminal, and therefore the impeachment proceedings should halt immediately...
Over the course of the past 12 years, we have seen numerous conflicts of interest at the highest level (the Clinton's with the Whitewater investigation, Bush and his cabinet with Enron), which I don't think anyone can argue are "bad ethics"...
And finally, my question is...
If politicians are not "morally" and "ethically" responsible for their actions and decisions, then what precisely is their function in public office?
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"The first requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight." Theodore Roosevelt
The voters themselves are to blame for electing such poor public leaders. We have the right to vote and the responsibility to choose the best man or woman for the office. So many candidates spew canned BS through the major media outlets, and then once elected, take advantage of the many benefits of the position that can be sold at a price.
Last I heard, the above offenses are criminal. Bring back dueling! When a politician must back up his words with something more than a lapdog lawyer, he might tend to be a bit more careful.
How I wish we could revive that. So many people run their mouths to no end realizing that they will never be asked to back it up in a show of courage (a lot of people believe a lot of things, but very few are willing to risk their lives over such). A competition between gentlemen would cut through a lot of the red tape we've grown accustomed to. And I suppose it would weed out the political ranks, as well.
How I wish we could revive that. So many people run their mouths to no end realizing that they will never be asked to back it up in a show of courage (a lot of people believe a lot of things, but very few are willing to risk their lives over such). A competition between gentlemen would cut through a lot of the red tape we've grown accustomed to. And I suppose it would weed out the political ranks, as well.
Are you kidding ?
There wouldn't be any politicians left ! Well , except for the last winner ...
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Kevin Haendiges
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"If politicians are not "morally" and "ethically" responsible for their actions and decisions, then what precisely is their function in public office?"
Good question. When Marion Berry can be video-taped smoking crack in a hotel room, get arrested, convicted, and still be re-elected as Mayor of this nation's Capital...something's seriously wrong.
Good question. When Marion Berry can be video-taped smoking crack in a hotel room, get arrested, convicted, and still be re-elected as Mayor of this nation's Capital...something's seriously wrong.
FYI, a few weeks ago Barry's supporters started calling for him to come back and re-campaign for mayor. Now Anthony Williams might not be the best man for the job in DC, but look at what he has to work with. I do know that Washington certainly has a lot more crackheads than Harvard-educated bean counters, so I guess Barry is a natural fit.
Ethics Vs. Political Power
