A Charge for Political Ethics

Andrew K. Thompson

If everyone in the U.S. had a pink car, we would have a pink carnation. Our government is like a car; built in the 1700’s. With each new election, the ‘car’ gets a new paint job. This looks good on the outside but the inside isn’t the well-oiled machine it once was. The performance level is low. We need to totally reconstruct the engine. We need the government to run as good as it looks. The reconstructing needs to start with the ethics in politics. Political ethics in America are not where they should be. To often our political officials are not being punished for their wrong doings. We have to change the tone in Washington.

First, one must understand what political ethics are. A web site from Learn-well describes political ethics as ethics that deal with acting ethically in politics. Pretty simple, right? Wrong! In politics, we must realize that there is a realm in which good and bad exist:

1.) Bad

A.) There is corruption by political office holders;

B.) There is lying by political office holders;

C.) There is violence between nations;

2.) Good

A.) We can debate political issues with others with whom we disagree;

B.) We can decide collectively how to use our limited resources;

C.) We can make positive changes to help others in our community.

Political ethics deal with how to act in a political realm that has evil in it, but also provides us the opportunity to do good for others. Three actors play a role in the political realm: the candidates, the political leaders, and the common citizen. Each has a responsibility to maintain high ethics. One can cross the ethical boundary by deceiving any of the other two actors in the realm. The average citizen gets deceived more often than not.

The youth of today need ethics taught to them. The rising sun of democracy is the youth of today. Their ethics must be strong and able to hold steadfast to that which is good. The politics of ‘now’ is the quest for power. The people can do something. Citizens have more control then they know. This is a self-governed government. If you aren’t an ethical citizen, how can you expect the candidates you vote for to maintain their ethics? Ralph Nader said, “There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.” Citizens need to keep their officials in line. Know your leaders. Research what they believe. Tell them what you expect. Get involved in the democratic system and stay involved. Harry S. Truman said, “Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the alienable right, to govern himself with reason and justice.”

Do not let power become more mistreated. We the people need a charge for political excellence. We deserve it, we owe it to our children, and we owe it to democracy as a whole. Our government is one built by the people for the people. If people are not active in the political arena, the government crumbles. All proud citizens of the United States of America the time is now to reclaim what began as the best system of government ever—the only system to not under go a revolution thus far. Political ethics must be a prevailing level of quality, value, and achievement that is demanded. It’s time for a new beginning. It’s time for real leadership. No dream is beyond our reach. Together we can make our ‘car’ run as good as it looks.

Motivation Monroe

1. Gain Attention: Pink Carnation Joke.

2. Identify Unfulfilled Needs: Political Ethics in America are not where they should be.

3. Propose Solutions: Teach youth ethics so they can make a change. Also, become an informed voter.

4. Visualize Satisfaction (Reward): Restored political ethics and a better society.

5. Define Specific Action: Together the ‘car’ will run as good as it looks.

Sentence Outline:

Topic: Political Ethics

General Purpose: Raise awareness

Specific Purpose: To show need for involvement in political system and fault in it currently.

Thesis: Political Ethics need reconstruction, with all of us together we can bring back the ethics that made this country great.

Introduction

If everyone in the U.S. had a pink car, we would have a pink carnation.
Our government is like a car. The outside looks great but the interior needs some work.
Political Ethics need reconstruction; with all of us together we can bring back the ethics that made this country great.
We have to change the tone.

Body

I. What are political ethics?

A. Political ethics are ethics that deal with acting ethically in politics.

B. There is good and bad.

I. Bad

A. There is corruption by political office holders;

B. There is lying by political office holders;

C. There is violence between nations;

I. Good

A. We can debate political issues with others with whom we disagree;

B. We can decide collectively how to use our limited resources;

C. We can make positive changes to help others in our community.

II. How to act in the political realm.

A. Although bad there is the opportunity to do good.

B. Three Actors participate. (The candidates, the political leaders, and the common citizen)

C. Each has a political responsibility.

III. Teach the youth, Now.

A. Youth must know good from evil, and choose good.

B. Knowledge is power, and this is a self-governed government.

C. Get involved.

I. Ralph Nader said, “There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.”

Conclusion

Change now, for our future. Don’t we owe it to our children and our children’s children?
It’s time to reclaim our voice in government.
Let’s not just repaint the car lets do a thorough inspection and fix any interior errors starting with the ethics.