Character and Integrity

We don't expect much character from our politicians. And they generally deliver even less than we expect. The calculus of compromise and political ambition seems to work against it.

There is one area, however, when character absolutely must be demanded from "the whores in parliament" (as P. J. O'Rourke describes them). When quality people are nominated to serve as judges or civil servants, our elected representatives have an obligation to fight for the reputations of these nominees.

When vicious slanders and outlandish character assassination are thrown at a nominee, every member from either party who pretends to possess even a shred of integrity should be expected to stand up for the truth. Sadly, nominees know not to hope for even that small bit of support.

I guess what really makes me sick is the realization that, upon retirement, people like Joe Lieberman and George Voinovich and their ilk will be honored for their character despite a record of tolerating and participating in this type of mud-slinging for decades. Rather than be applauded, they should be booed.