Morals, Ethics, Honesty

As a writer I am aware of all of the different methods of criticism. Most lay readers aren’t reading for criticism –they are reading for interest. However, I read and write with an eye to the critic. This doesn’t necessarily mean that I write better or more efficiently; it means that I write more defensively. With this in mind I address the issues of the day.

What, exactly, are the issues of the day? In my opinion, the issues are honesty, ethics and morality. Are the leaders of this nation being honest, ethical and moral? Are the leaders of your community being honest, ethical and moral? I think the resounding answer is no.

So, what do you, as an honest, ethical and moral voter and member of the community do about your elected leaders not being honest, ethical and moral? One thing you can do is justify and rationalize their behavior. “Well, they all do it and they are just trying to bring economic development to our neighborhood.” It sounds good when your Congressman tacks on pork for that park when Congress is passing a bill to supply training to Iraqi Police.

However, that Pork takes money out of every taxpayer in America’s pocket. It is stealing. We didn’t vote for the swing set in your park. We voted for Democracy in Iraq. And if it is your Congressman or Senator that attached that pork to the bill, let them know you are unhappy about their actions.

How do you live your life in an honest, ethical and moral fashion? Well, for one thing, you can reduce your carbon footprint. Carpool, walk, ride a bike, buy local and support your community by spending your money there. There are probably five farms within 100 miles of where you live. Buy from them. Carpool to work, ride your bike, do whatever you can to avoid using fossil fuels – turn your heat down, change your filters.

I am tired of paying good money for gas and oil. I don’t think this administration is going to fix it. Speak. Do it by cutting your consumption. If every American saved two gallons of gas, we would cut our dependence on oil by 600 million gallons, or 1.8 billion dollars. It’s a simple equation. Make the math work, please!