According to the American Heritage College Dictionary, integrity is the “steadfast adherence to a strict ethical code.”
“A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do” is the code of honor instilled in the cadets at West Point. The Naval and Air Force academies have similar honor codes. For all members in our military, failure to comply with this same or similar code of honor could result in court martial with potential serious consequences.
It was my experience, working for a large corporation, that integrity was of primary importance and accomplishment by lying, cheating or stealing was not only frowned upon, but grounds for demotion or removal.
Recently in conversation with a group of others I suggested that it would be appropriate that all members of our federal government agree to a code of honor to never lie, cheat or steal. One individual suggested that of equal importance was to be measured by what one accomplishes.
In my opinion, unethical accomplishment is just another expression for corruption.
I believe we should hold our governmental leaders to a high standard of integrity. No exceptions.
TOM PAUL
New London