Self-interest, fine; but corruption’s another story
Government of the people, by the people, and for the people”… the phrase originated by Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg address still inspires many elected representatives as they guide our government business today.
However, too many politicians seem to be crafting policy and enacting laws to serve their own interests rather than those they represent.
This is proof to many Americans that ours is a dysfunctional government—though self-servitude has motivated behavior throughout human history.
Self-preservation is wired into our DNA, according to behavioral experts.
Rarely is there a generous act not accompanied by an angle of self benefit.
If we look to the 19th century, we can see that our richest industrialists engaged in philanthropy, endowing such institutions as Carnegie Hall, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Vanderbilt University, and improving our country.
Yet, it is hard not to see these men benefiting as well by their own considerable generosity.Today, tax breaks motivate the same type of donation. Without these incentives, would the donations have been as great? No one knows.
But one thing is for sure: the habit continues in the leaders of today.
There are simply too many politicians motivated by self interest. Perhaps this is why our media puts so much emphasis on a candidate’s morality.
Normally I would say a person’s home life is not necessarily reflective of their job performance.
But as for politicians, I would agree their moral values carry almost as much weight as their political values.
An honest politician, whose ideology may fall short of our own, is far preferable to a crooked politician who gives voice to our exact beliefs.
So, yes, we should all look for a good set of moral values in a leader, and try to eliminate the corruption in our system.
This is one of many things we must do to keep our government— the people’s government— from perishing from the earth.
You can follow Colin Criss on Twitter @ADKCurrent
