Whatever Happened to Integrity of Public Officials?

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

I live in PA and was reading the paper this morning about a PA Supreme Court judge being called on inappropriate emails. It just seems as though every time I read the paper or internet there is another public official being relieved of their duties due to poor judgement.

Whatever happend to people with integrity, morals and a good role model? Do they start off OK but then get tainted when they enter office? I don't know if it is happening more or that since we have news 24/7 we just hear about it more. Either way it's very discouraging.

IamMrsG · ‎08-29-2010

I don't believe it's just a problem with public officials. Our entire society has degraded and is still sliding downward.

Look at what we accept for entertainment. Look at who we promote to celebrity. Look at how we dress, how we speak.

Why would we be surprised to learn our public officials are any different? After all, who voted them into office?

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

I do agree the integrity HAS SLIPPED. It is everywhere. And yet naive me still looks to find only the good with hope by example the good will prevail over the not so good. I guess a girl can dream.

brii · ‎06-20-2010

Did they ever have integrity?

Power does strange things to people...

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@IamMrsG wrote:
I don't believe it's just a problem with public officials. Our entire society has degraded and is still sliding downward.

Look at what we accept for entertainment. Look at who we promote to celebrity. Look at how we dress, how we speak.

Why would we be surprised to learn our public officials are any different? After all, who voted them into office?

I totally agree with the first part. As for voting people into office, you really don't know any candidate that is running you only see what they want you to see. Once they get elected their real selves come out.

Not all public officials are bad, it's just a shame that the ones who get notoriety are those with questionable actions. You are right about our society degrading which is scary because our pool of upstanding citizens for public office will dwindle.

BellaCarro · ‎10-01-2011

This is not an exclusive modern day phenomenon. Corruption in government has existed since the dawn of governments. Our modern day press, however, is not as complicit in covering it up. Officials who use the internet for inappropriate or illegal actions are stupid, arrogant, or both. So easy to track.

I think you have to have a bit of an ego to be in a public office, certainly a thick skin and a large dose of confidence. Even if you start out with the best of intentions you become surrounded with people seeking your favor and telling you how wonderful you are. It's going to corrupt. And, ultimate power corrupts ultimately.

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

I honestly believe that THEY start out with good intentions and the power grab factor takes over. But I can see how it would happen. Think about it. Think about your friends, your relatives, all those people who help you. NOW PUT YOURSELF IN POWER. IT WOULD SEEM HUMAN NATURE TO WANT TO HELP SOMEONE WHO HELPS YOU.

My remedy.... TERM LIMITS. No one can get in and stay in what looks like forever.

shwarma · ‎03-11-2010

You are so correct. Read any news page and the story is the same. We have decided to accept this type of behavior. The words "I am sorry" are thrown out every time someone acts badly. I no longer believe the words. The media is stunned with the current upheaval in DC..I am thrilled. It is time for the people to stand up and shout. Thank you for caring!