Posted by
Bryan Golden on Sunday, November 23, 2008 8:46:57 AM
"The true measure of integrity is what someone does when no one is looking."
Our public servants, whether elected or appointed, have an obligation to live up to the highest standards. They need to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Unquestionable ethics must be paramount.
Unfortunately, too many people who hold a position of public trust take advantage of their situation to enrich themselves, their friends, and their supporters. When this happens, they are incapable of acting in the best interest of their constituents.
When unethical behavior is tolerated, a culture of corruption ensues. The citizens of this country must have a zero tolerance policy regarding any type of dishonesty in government.
Only people with integrity can be trusted and relied on. They will not try to take advantage of or defraud someone. Their word is their bond and their handshake is better than a contract. Integrity is an invaluable trait that enables one to stand out from the crowd.
Conversely, people with a lack of integrity risk succumbing to temptation with no frame of reference to guide them. They are susceptible to becoming embroiled in schemes that inevitably lead to deleterious results.
"Everyone has their price," is a too frequently heard adage. People with integrity don't have a price. They can not be bought off. Those who will compromise their principles for the right price don't have any principles to compromise.
People lacking integrity accept bribes, steal, cheat, lie, and take advantage of others. They will sell themselves to the highest bidder. They have little or no respect for themselves or others.
Throughout history, countries that have fallen into the depths of corruption have not survived. When government is allowed to become self-serving, its people are not served.
Insist on integrity. You have a right and an obligation to do so.
Bryan Golden – author of Dare to Live Without Limits