Can a person with integrity, honesty and loyalty truly be a well rounded, effective politician, i.e. President? Looking back in history, even those Presidents we most revere have skeletons in their closest -- Jefferson had an affair with one of his slaves, Roosevelt lied to the public about his health, Lincoln declared war on his own country without permission of congress, and of course, we all know about Clinton's indiscretions... Thoughts?
2006-09-17 07:53:41 · 10 answers · asked by mimaolta 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Since there is no absolute on this physical plane, the good of which you speak is relative. Can a relatively good person become a politician? The answer is probably yes, but I seriously doubt that he/she can remain so once the position is obtained.
The mostly conscious individual would not run for office, because of the dishonesty inherent in politics. So, the political office has its own built-in selection eliminator. The majority of people to whom a politician is obligated [by the nature of needing votes to remain in office] to perform for are not, unfortunately, those who believe in personal responsibility and realize that ones condition in life is a result of ones Fate Karma, and not the form of government one lives under.
So, I would tend to believe that the terms politician and good represent an oxymoron.
2006-09-17 08:22:34 · answer #1 · answered by docjp 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good person makes for an excellent leader, but they are crappy politicians. The very nature of politics leads to the most deceitful and two-faced coming out on top. The only redeeming factor of the profession is that all the betrayal and back-stabbing usually cancels itself out and it keeps the worst element of society from doing to much harm to the rest of us.
2006-09-17 14:58:22 · answer #2 · answered by juicy_wishun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
But absolutely EVERYBODY has skeletons in their closets. One can be a good person, and not live a perfect moral life.
To answer your question... politics involves compromise by nature, and a lot of it comes down to "does the end justify the means" Also with power comes temptation. _re, Mr. Clinton)
I think it is possible, but I think you need to be much more morally centered than the average person.
2006-09-17 16:46:55 · answer #3 · answered by disguys_dalimit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's difficult. Look what they did to Jimmy Carter who, in my opinion, was the best.
2006-09-17 15:11:02 · answer #4 · answered by The Gadfly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. Even the pope is still trying to work this one out.
2006-09-17 15:01:58 · answer #5 · answered by Les 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes they can, but it will take a personal toll on them and they will be forever changed from the experience. I think they can stay good. whether they will or not, it depends on them.
2006-09-17 15:01:56 · answer #6 · answered by juanita m 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no such thing as a good or honest politician!
2006-09-17 15:24:09 · answer #7 · answered by axis mentis 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lol politician... least of all evils.
2006-09-17 14:55:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
good politician? is int that like a clean mud hole?
2006-09-17 19:28:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-09-17 15:00:16 · answer #10 · answered by ® Espresso ® 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋