Government Ethics

Politicians frequently tell us what we believe and what we stand for. Often their remarks are preceded by something like “this is who we are” or “this is not who we are.” What they really mean is “this is how you should think.” The tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh yesterday gave us examples of each. A few stand out to unequivocally show what “this is not who we are” means.

The current push for sentencing reform bills is a lucky thing for felons who have secured a voice on Capitol Hill even though they are locked up and can’t vote. It doesn’t do anything for the most maligned figures of all, those unfortunate individuals caught in congressional crosshairs because they have been tapped by the president for a prized appointment. In our social climate of de facto guilt for white males accused of sexual impropriety it is very easy to be tried, convicted, and ruined without ever being charged with a crime. Just ask Brett Kavanaugh.