1 of 2

No

Write now Article Tools

In order to believe that political morals are decaying, one must first believe that there was a time in which the field of politics had some level of morality associated with it. In truth, the term "political morality" is something of an oxymoron. Politics has always suffered from a dearth of moral behavior.

In fact, given the free flow of information in our modern age, the political arena is probably as moral as it has ever been, since politicians now find it more difficult to bury their indiscretions. The fact that we hear about scandal after scandal among the political elite does not indicate that bad behavior is on the rise, though it can certainly create that illusion. Rather, it indicates that such behavior is making it more easily into the domain of public knowledge. In an age in which anyone with an Internet connection can communicate instantly to the entire planet, hush money can only go so far.

There has never been a time in human history during which politics was anything other than a game of backstabbing, treachery, double-crossing, and generally unwholesome behavior. In days past, murder was a reasonable means by which one could acquire power and authority over entire nations. Wars have long been waged for little more than political gain. The politics of Rome were much more corrupt than anything in our modern society. If one argues that political morality is decaying, I must ask: decaying from what? It is difficult to fall to the floor if you are already lying on it.

The perception of moral decay in general is one I have long found interesting. Societal norms and mores shift constantly, yet we as individuals are relatively stagnant in our moral inclinations. The rules we learn as children are seared into our minds, and we tend to perceive societal change as decay, even when it is actually simple lateral movement or even improvement. An affront to the values of one generation may be accepted or even encouraged by the next (and vice versa).

The idea that there is some unchanging universal and timeless set of morals is, frankly, laughable to any student of humanity. Even the supposedly set-in-stone laws of the various religions are constantly reinterpreted to fit current needs; people find reasons to ignore the outdated ones and emphasize the ones relevant to more modern concerns.

Given that, though, the practice of politics has never respected any set of morals or values, at least not beyond the level of necessity in order to achieve political ambitions. It has always been ruthless, filled with Machiavellian machinations and strategic posturing. To expect that to change is nave, but to expect it to get worse is to be in denial of how bad it already is. It can only get worse insofar as there can be new ways of being the very worst relative to the prevailing morals. It can always be counted upon to occupy that position.

Learn more about this author, Chris Torgersen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Are political morals decaying??
We want to hear your view. Write now!