Reply #6: Pondering on "integrity" is quite interesting [View All]

[rumpel]

When you look up the word itself the meaning of integrity includes honor, honesty, moral obligation, credibility and so on. But the basis of integrity lies in one's values, which is strongly influenced by culture and upbringing.
A strict catholic may vote for someone, just because his/her morality and ethics would not allow a vote for someone who believes in the right to choose, but this would be that person's integrity or honesty. Perhaps for that person it is the utmost important issue and all else is "forgiveable".

However, a candidate or elected representative has to uphold his or her own integrity in what he/she has promised the constituents he/she will do, as another meaning of the word of "integrity", namely "accountability" will come into play. I find myself often completely at odds with the dem leaders, and yes, I think they lack integrity, as they constantly calculate and strategize instead of speaking truth, forgetting where and with what promise they were sent there.
But I also believe, a voter's accountability does not go beyond what was promised and or portrayed to him to be the character of the candidate, afterall these are total strangers to us - most of us will never even come face to face with the people whom we have vested our rights and powers to. Adding to that, the manifestation is collective.

Energies - I have to ponder about that one...

Yes, being here at DU has in fact given me opportunities to reflect on many issues differently, but the catalyst of being here was in fact my quest for equality and justice. It started with the questionable election results and the questions I had, whether the majority of people of this country really agreed with policies so contrary to my ideals and why.
I sense there is a lot of frustration and anger here at DU in the main forums - misdirected energies against each other, creating negative energies. Someone would need strong positive energies to participate in those and not be negatively affected.

So, overall I agree with the concept of integrity, but I would like to add the word "intent". I would want to know whether the intent of a candidate is to benefit all sentient beings, equally and justly, and whether he/she is a true public servant or a servant for him/herself or a few.