One of the largest clichés of the modern political era is that of the political leader who does not lead by example. These seemingly successful, accomplished people work hard in their lives to reach the pinnacle of accomplishment–being voted into office by the populace. It is from there that their seemingly impeccable records seem to get smeared completely. Whether it’s a sex scandal or a case of bribery, or making false statements on record about their involvement with, or use of, drugs, politicians have long lost their leadership credentials. Even the cleanest of the clean seem to eventually be found to be dirty. It’s gotten to the point that the average citizen is wondering if lawmakers actually desire to research bankruptcy laws.
Because, after the press conference in which they confess to the nation their criminal deeds, often without a hint of remorse, these criminals lose a lot. They lose their immediate career, and the income associated with the job they’ve worked so hard to land. They often lose their spouse, who may attempt to stick with them for a while, but all too often, falls by the wayside as the rationalizations begin to arise. Justifying one’s bad behavior is never a good way to present it to the spouse who has been shamed, embarrassed, and whose trust is often in pieces following the national coverage of their partner’s crimes.
Besides losing their jobs and spouses, politicians found to have engaged in unlawful activity lose reputation. The entire premise of lawmakers being in existence is that they are supposed to possess moral compasses that are more precise than usual. They are supposed to know the laws inside and out. They are supposed to follow those laws, not pretend that they are only for those lowly citizens who earn a more meager income. Leadership needs to be by example again!
