Disillusioned Ethics

Friends,

I have come to a new level of concern on the entire issue of ethics. There is no longer any question in my mind that our society is embracing a vision of 'selected ethics' -- which, in my opinion, means that folks justify their own behaviors at the same time as they condemn the behaviors of others -- only, sadly, they apply virtually no standards to themselves and are quick to criticize even the most honest mistakes by others. From my vantage point, this is not what 'ethics' (as a doctrine, a set of principles, a way of life) is intended to be all about. So, I believe quite a few folks are practicing "disillusioned ethics" and we need to start pointing out their flawed thinking, albeit in a nice and productive way.

What is the Benchmark? Local politicians veering off course on silly things like misplaced campaign ads, unkept campain promises, or poor personal decisions that intentionally harm others and benefit themselves? State politicians who are unaccountable for short term decisions that have obvious long-term negative effects? Federal politicians who cannot even bring themselves to discuss (let alone address) SERIOUS issues like Social Security, Health Care, Immigration, or Energy Policy?

The benchmark, I would suggest, does not lie within the Elected Officials; instead, I believe our failings come at the individual level where the ballots that are cast (hanging chads and all!) seem to decrease more and more with every election cycle. Just a little while ago, I learned of an acquaintance with an extremely keen mind and a previously important executive position in my community that has decided to take a long vacation, leave the country, and avoid the entire presidential campaign charade. This is unbelievable.

We have to wonder at what point the public will rise to the occassion and start taking its right to vote and be heard very seriously. Hopefully, prayerfully, it will be much sooner than later.

[Tomorrow's blog will focus on how hard the media has worked to lose our trust -- a truly spectacular achievement! -- and the ever-growing opinon that blogs are dramatically more believable than the media.]