Community Chat

[hckynutjohn]

Whatever Happened to Integrity of Public Officials?

winkk,

Things must be different in your part of the country "winkk". I have trusted very few Public Officials, and have dealt with many, over my years about different issues.

Most say what the public wants to hear to get into office, and then after that? It pretty much runs along party lines of their superiors. That is what I have found to be true in our particular City/County and State. when it comes to Elected Public Officials. those appointed? Even worse.

I won't even go into offices higher than what I mentioned as I know all to well what happens to those threads.

[ValuSkr]

I read about that too, terrible.  They say there's a culture of that sort of thing among the PA political class.  For better or worse, we elect many of our judges in PA.  I don't know if this particular judge was elected, but if so he ought to be voted down next time around.

[sfnative]

Just a few takes:

*  In Europe,the printed media is politically based - by party - philosophy.  We are moving in that direction.

*  In the meantime, media of every type in the U.S. drive the news, make up news, have become incredibly biased toward one party, thus making it nearly impossible to obtain a neutral news source.

*  Remembr the "Bay of Pigs."

*  Watergate became what it was due to the media jumping all over a certain party. This is an historical fact.  Fast forward to today.  Many of our folks in office are a disgrace and yet the media continues after...

*  Though greatly overused, it is appropriate here: " Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely." 

[Puzzle Piece]

Did any of them ever have integrity to begin with from the start?

[ROMARY]

Reminds me of an incident:  I have signs: Do not open gate, Please do not disturb, No soliciting, etc.  Well guess what!  A local politician (running for something) opened the gate, and not only kept ringing my doorbell, but actually kept banging on my front door.  LOUDLY.  (I rest my case.)

[Sooner]

What happened is that we are afraid now to criticize bad behavior or place blame on anyone.  Even when we know where crime is committed we look past it.  We don't hold EVERYONE accountable.  We idolize trashy people.  We put up with anything.  We have socital guilt we can't get past.   The list goes on and on. We let ourselves be bullied when we try to enforce the law.  We listen to Hollywood for role models for kids--which in and of itself is a problem.

We don't demand good behavior.  Simple.  

[ROMARY]

Yes, Supply and Demand. 

[BellaCarro]

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@maestra wrote:

I agree w/TERM LIMITS! It's not the (fill in the politician's name) seat, it's the peoples' seat!

I teach American History and Consitution and our representative republic was NEVER supposed to have 'career' politicians, and have them enjoy living off the backs of their constituents. They (George Washington, especially) used as role models, the early Greeks and Romans (Cinncinatus), who served their people, putting the needs of the people ahead of their own desires, often selflessly.

I am often discouraged at the double speak of politicians, especially in the federal government, but am reminded daily of the heroic sacrifices made by my countrymen, whether veterans or civilian.

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@maestra, thank you for being a teacher.  I'd be fired or in jail.  

Regarding term limits, don't they exist already?  Shouldn't constituents hold that right?  Of course, that means they actually have to go to the polls and exercise that right (or duty depending on your point of view).  It also means people need to educate themselves on issues, voting records, elected official's attendance, etc...  How many take the time to do that?  Constituents also have responsibilities.  We fuss about them but we, who voted them in, should hold them accountable and vote them out if they don't measure up.  

[Irshgrl31201]

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@BellaCarro wrote:

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.  

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Exactly! 

[MoJoV]

Here in  Chicago the CEO of the school board is under indictment for taking kick backs,bribes in other words stealing from the taxpayers.  This woman made a very generous salary and still had to steal from taxpayers at the expense of the children of Chicago. A disgusting case of greed.