The Challenges To Ethical Politics: Oxymoron, Denials, Equating Opinions With Facts!

Many wonder, why, it, often, seems, there is very little, realistic, ethical politics! To some, even, putting the word, ethics, alongside, politician, is an oxymoron! Others, resort, simply, to denials, blaming, complaining, and procrastination. Often, we witness, people, and their elected representatives, unwilling, to listen, and focus, with an open – mind, and, seem to equate their personal opinions, personal/ political agenda, and self – interest, with, actual, facts! In recent years, this situation, seems, to have gotten, even – worse, and the level of divisive, partisan politics, has made, a necessary, meeting – of – the – minds, even, more challenging, to achieve. With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, these obstacles to enhancing/ increasing, the level, degree, and consistency, of genuine ethics, into our political discussions, activities, and politicians.

1. Is ethical politics, an oxymoron?: Has there ever, really, been, true ethics in our politics, and, is it, even, possible, in today’s environment, etc? Is this concept, merely, an unachievable, oxymoron? After, over four decades, of involvement, in all types of leadership, as well as, working on several, political campaigns, I, sincerely, hope, and believe, it is achievable, but, is challenging, because, of many factors, perhaps, most significantly, the power, apparent need, and influence, of money, on the American, political system.

2. Denials; blaming; complaining; procrastination: While, perhaps, it is human nature, to resort to denials, and personal responsibility, and, even, blaming others, and complaining, it rarely, is helpful, in any possible manner! When, instead of proceeding, in a well – considered, timely manner, and an open – mind, it seems, far – too many, politicians, resort to procrastination, while, emphasizing, their personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self – interest, instead of the greater good!

3. Opinions, versus, facts: Although, everyone is entitled, to their personal opinions, they are not, entitled to their own set of facts! When, the former President’s Spokesperson, used the expression, Alternative Facts, to justify, this mindset, and behavior, it indicates, an ever – deteriorating, system, and reality! It seems, this has extended, to the general public, especially, certain, core supporters, who, proceed, consistently, unwilling, to proceed, with an open – mind! How can we expect, any chance of political ethics, when our system, focuses, on division, and polarization, instead of unifying, etc.

Shouldn’t the intent, and result, of politics, be, to achieve, a better system, which focuses on common sense, the greater good, and meaningful, compromise, to seek, an essential, meeting – of – the – minds? If, we hope, to change this atmosphere, we need, to change, the overall system, and make it better, and more, truly, responsive!