Thursday letters: U.S. political culture flawed
Whatever happened to human dignity?
Numerous public officials are under indictment or serving time for infractions that violated not only the law but also their oath of office; their actions demonstrated no understanding of the ethical and moral responsibility to the public they serve. From “You lie” to the claim that the president does not love America, our nation is losing its civic decency.
There is a serious flaw in our political culture.
The recent effort to defund the Department of Homeland Security, and seriously weaken the department charged with keeping us secure from enemies who would bring evil and death upon this land of freedom and justice for all people, was a prime example of the ongoing clash between the two major political parties that at times shreds the rules of ethical and moral behavior. We cannot exist as a nation under God if the elected leaders have such a callous mind as to how to protect and defend the United States.
Justice, truth and ethical behavior are the hallmarks of a decent and civil society. Too often they are lacking in our political culture. If those necessary qualities are continually violated, disaster could come to the home of the free and the brave.
After signing the Constitution in 1789, Benjamin Franklin was met by a lady who asked him, “Mr. Franklin, what kind of government do we have?” “A Republic, madam,” he replied, “if you can keep it.”
May the leadership of the Democratic and Republican parties, along with those who hold public office, keep in mind those words, which are just as true today as they were 226 years ago.
Rev. Canon George I. Chassey
West Columbia