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DEAR EDITOR:
Ethics: the discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad and morally right and wrong. The term is also applied to an individual's moral values or principles.
I recall a time when such a discipline was extremely important when considering an individual holding a certain position, especially a position of power, e.g. "elected official."
When applying ethics doctrine to individuals, one must look at their actions, comments and spoken word. We can then consider their goals and consider such action as to its ethical principle; is it morally good, is the outcome applicable to all, limited to a few, or self-centered?
Another term that may be better understood and applicable is "moral character."
Determining if someone has good moral character can be confusing simply based on who does the assessment. One with a not-so-good moral character can accept another with the same ethical posture as one of good, ethical character. One who has a very strong, stringent look at what is moral can easily identify someone not in line with their beliefs as being one of poor ethics or immoral.
It comes down to the cliche: "In the eyes of the beholder." The expression means the position taken is not set in any true value, not acceptable by all, but by the one doing the assessment.
Some fundamental traits exist we should consider when assessing one's moral position, and one's ethical posture. Let us agree "Personal Ethics" applies to one's beliefs as to what is right and wrong. These beliefs guide one in decision-making and how they may handle certain situations that may impact all.
Although a thin line may separate personal and professional ethics, the following principles apply to both:
Honesty. Have they shown that in personal and professional life, never laying blame on others?
Loyalty. Can they be trusted to maintain dependability in actions?
Integrity. One with integrity is reliable, responsible and accepts accountability for actions.
Respect. Such individuals respect others' autonomy, rights, interests, and don't discriminate based on religion, sex or race.
Selflessness. An easiest trait to recognize; such individuals consider needs and situations of others and prioritize needs before their own.
Responsibility. An individual with a strong moral code willing to take responsibility for actions and, more importantly, willing to make changes or amends when necessary.
When considering one for a position of power, ("elected official") to govern this great nation, ethics must be applied, not be pushed to the side.
Whatever political party, whatever political ideologies you subscribe to; your chosen leader must have ethical, moral character to move such beliefs forward.
God bless America.
JOHN P. LESEGANICH SR.
Canfield