by Carissa Kane

Created on: February 26, 2009

There is a famous joke that has been going around for quite some time. It goes like this:

Two young men were walking along the road one day and came up to a cemetery. One stopped and read out loud one of the headstones. It reads "Here lies an honest man and politician". "Well what do you think about that?" said the man after reading the headstone. "Hmm.. it looks as if they bury people here on top of each other!"

It may seem funny but it is also quite true. There does not exist an honest politician. The two words when used together can in no way be referring to one person. This statement may be of great argument to a lot of people but I do believe it holds. According to a very interesting analysis of the word "Politics" (one that I am a particular fan of) it says that the word "Politics" comes from two words; The Latin word "Poly" which means "many" and "tics" which describes "blood sucking creatures". The equation: Many + Blood Sucking Creatures = Politics. How was that for a math class?

Going back however to the question at hand, can an honest politician be elected? It brings about a number of arguments and many would think that I base my assumptions and opinions on past experiences with dishonest and dishonourable politicians. While this much is true I am willing to give any new comer a chance to prove me wrong.

The thing is I have seen many honest men and women, full of integrity, honesty, character, charisma and loyalty to country and to people, step up to the plate and hit the ball out of the park. These said individuals, for some reason have always found themselves in some slimy operation and their once good name is tarnished forever. Corruption is rampant in all the world's political systems and a corruption free government is just a political myth and ideology that is used to delude the minds of the masses who are unsuspecting and all believing of the person on the pedestal.

An honest politician? Never. Maybe an honest man, but once he steps into the political arena there is no way that honesty will prevail over the moralities of politics. That again is another misconception that the masses have. Politics has a morality of its own and your years of good morales and values do not stand a chance for this game. The 'good morales' that you portrayed during the campaign will not hold you through once you get your hands on the national treasury. This I have seen time and time again.

Okay, so let's not be so harsh on this 'honest politician'. Let's say a person like this does exist (hypothetically). Another factor of dishonesty has become inherent among these so called good men. This is because power not only brings money but also women. I do not think more should be said after the tale of the honesty of one 'great' politician, whose name i will not call, and whose action have now lead to us being able to enjoy a very good cigar. Good-bye Cubans!

These short points outlined are just touching the surface. In truth and in fact the terminology used, "honest politician" is just a tactic used to sway the population and really and truly cannot exist. If anyone wants to be just an honest person, I am sure that they will agree!

Learn more about this author, Carissa Kane.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.