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Honesty, morality, and integrity

Happy Easter! Alleluia, Jesus Christ has risen! Alleluia!

      Honesty, morality, and integrity are all values and principals by which we are to live our Christian lives. These same values and principles are arguably at the foundation of humanist philosophy by which even atheists seek to live their lives. We are not asking something extraordinary of ourselves or others when we hold up these values. That being said, I wonder if we have lowered our standards for those who serve in public office?

      We ought to have high expectations of our national, state, and local leaders. Too many of them are disappointing us with dishonesty as they publicly lie or insinuate false accusations about their political and personal opponents, and/or engage in immoral behavior, etc. Those who enter public office by election or by appointment tell us that they do so because they want to serve the public. Public service is something about which the public needs to demand more. The frequency and regularity with which the dishonesty and immorality occur do not make them more acceptable on any level.

      Please be aware that I did not say all our leaders are dishonest and self-serving. There are many who are doing their best within a flawed system of governance. Nonetheless, all public servants have a responsibility to hold their colleagues to high levels of ethical behavior. Elected and appointed officials need to utilize the methods by which they hold each other accountable in order to maintain the integrity of the various branches of government. Ethics committees, review panels, oversight committees, etc. have been organized in order to call out those who have fallen to the temptation to use their office for personal gain or to help business associates, or families or friends.

      Elections are another way by which to evaluate and decide who is worthy of the high calling of public service. But, elections do not always happen with the frequency needed in order to respond to unethical or illegal behavior in a timely manner. If an official breaks the law or does something unethical at the beginning of his/her term of office, there ought to be means of judging that behavior and offering a remedy.

      Ultimately, I hope that we do not lower the standards regarding public service. I think there will be MORE women and men who are intelligent, humble and dedicated to serve their neighbor who will seek office, IF we maintain high standards of behavior. Let us remain vigilant and demanding of our public servants.

Happy Easter! Alleluia, Jesus Christ has risen! Alleluia!

Peace, Fr. Andy