15 of 129

Write now Article Tools

Politicians all over the world are in the public eye. They are the people who the public have chosen to represent them in either local or national issues, as being representatives of what the people want. So often, the moral values of politicians are questioned by those who seek to discredit them, and although many make mistakes in life, one should remember that we are all capable of errors of judgment, though that it is the enormity of the mistake and the honest manner of addressing mistakes which will be remembered far longer than the scandal itself.

Clever use of words isn't enough to hide moral failure. Taking a look historically at American politics, who actually remembers much about Monica Lewinski? Then examine what people actually do remember. Much is distorted since what he actually said was a clever evasion of truth and twisting of words to avoid moral retribution. The lie is remembered. Similarly, those politicians who get into the news for seemingly immoral behavior are remembered for the same thing. It is usually not the fact that they made an error which is remembered. It is the cover-up which follows that shows the moral character of the politician in a clearer manner than any sin they committed.

The ability to do the job.

Asking whether they should be held to a higher moral standard is actually quite difficult to address. Higher than who? What the public often forgets is that the spotlight is upon politicians simply because of the job they do. Were the spotlight reversed, can any of us see ourselves as being morally better or worse than anyone else? Getting the job done and doing it with an honest intention is far more important than looking into all sides of morality, since morality is judged differently by different elements of society.

If their moral judgment gets in the way of doing the job to the satisfaction of the country, then of course those morals make their viability questionable. Who will believe a politician who lies about their private life? People say that they are not accountable for that element of their lives, though a liar is a liar, and the habit of dealing with problems in a dishonest manner is not restricted to politicians, but to all walks of life.

Religion and beliefs.

A politician should have standards which encompass those communities they represent. Religion has been spoken of in political arena and the media, though how relevant is this to how well a man can undertake the task he or she performs? Surely, setting personal

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Should our politicians be held to a higher moral standard??
We want to hear your view. Write now!