Editor, Gazette-Journal:
When did “by any means necessary” become an acceptable credo for our politics? You don’t have to extrapolate much to see that this leads to the biggest crook being in charge. Do we really want liars and thieves making laws? Whose interest do you think they will spend their efforts on … yours or theirs?
“By any means necessary” absolves them of any expectation of honor or dignity. It places, instead, all emphasis on winning—no matter what moral codes are violated in the process. They escape shame by disenfranchising all moral codes. With no morals there is no sin, they rationalize.
When I went to college at Virginia Tech I was in the Cadet Corps. Their honor code was simple and encapsulated in the oath we all took: “I will not lie, cheat, or steal and I will not tolerate anyone who does.” The code was rigorously administered by the cadets themselves, with punishments up to and including “drumming out” (expulsion from the Corps) with all record of their presence purged.
This system worked. You took an oath and were expected to live it. How many politicians that take an oath to uphold the Constitution even know (or care) what is written there?
After college, enlistment in the Marine Corps brought an immediate introduction to their ideals. All boot camp activities were couched in terms of “Honor, Courage, Commitment.” Note that Honor is first. The Marines are a proud bunch and will not tolerate something they’re proud of being sullied.
As indicated above, my upbringing had several heavy doses of what constitutes “right thinking.” Never was “by any means necessary” assumed acceptable … even war has rules. That credo would mean that lying, cheating and stealing are okay. They are NOT okay … not in real life and not in politics!
We do not have to tolerate this type of behavior. Politicians are there because they were elected by voters. Do not use your vote to put (or return) another amoral liar in Congress. Let integrity be the lodestone to guide your vote; do not follow like a sheep. Think for yourself and make an honest assessment of who is best for the country.
Charles Selph
Hayes, Va.