Honesty is the Best Policy

I want to expound a bit on my previous post.   In review, the article, “Coincidence of the day: Head of California agency that under-reported unemployment stats an Obama donor,” written by Doug Powers, informs the public of an incorrect report of some recent unemployment statistics data. That report, submitted by California, withheld the truth about the unemployment situation there.

Powers writes: "Last year California Governor Jerry Brown appointed a man named Marty Morgenstern to head the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, which oversees the Employment Development Department that 'failed to fully document' jobless claims [...] Here’s the total coincidence part that will shock the hell out of you..." Powers then provides a chart that itemizes Morgenstern’s campaign donations in 2008.

Here's my problem: I don't care if you're a Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal, male or female, etc. - no matter who you are or what you do, you should be honest in all matters. We've had all sorts of issues in the past where public officials were dishonest in such things as campaigns or reports. The information in the above article is simply one example of many.

Our system is so corrupted. Unfortunately, ethics are often pushed aside in pursuit of personal gain (or political gain in this case), without any regard to the outcome. Why can't people just be honest? Why do we feel like we have to sneak around to fulfill ulterior motives?

I think it is especially important for our elected officials, those people we select ourselves, to act with our best interests in mind. We elect them because we feel they are the best choice to make correct decisions on our behalf. You have trouble trusting someone who has a history of being dishonest. So, I say, honesty is the best policy.