Republicans can't comprehend Personal Integrity

[maxrandb]

In all the furor from the “right” about the ABC Producer that had the audacity to say "Bush made him sick", there is something critical that the “right” is missing.

I’m an active duty military member, who also happens to be a “bleeding heart liberal”. If there was ever an opportunity to deal with “bias”, I might be the one you could look to as an example. That, however, is not the case. I have been extremely successful, and have advanced from “E-nothing” to the officer ranks. You might be wondering how a “bleeding heart liberal” could advance so far in a world where every TV is “locked-on” Faux News?

The answer is very simple, and it is something that most Americans practice every single day. It’s something called ”Personal Integrity” and ”Professional Ethics”.

Here’s one thing you won’t see in the “right’s” rush to destroy Mr Greene. You won’t see an examination of the number of stories run on Good Morning America that were favorable to the “right”, or to the pResident. They won’t be able to show you proof that there was any “bias” in the stories presented. For them, the simple fact that Mr Greene expressed an negative opinion about Bush, is enough to condemn him and indict the entire news media.

That’s because the “right” can’t comprehend, and does not practice ”Personal Integrity”, or ”Professional Ethics”. Those values are foreign to them. Think for a minute about the rush to hang Mr Greene, and then think of the last time you heard a story from Rush or Hannity that was favorable to the Democrats. You won’t find one, because they are unable to overcome their bias and practice ”Personal Integrity”, or ”Professional Ethics”.

Let’s examine for a minute, how important ”Personal Integrity” and ”Professional Ethics” are to everyday life in America. The ability to practice these values and put our biases aside, enables:

- The pro-life doctor to provide quality medical care to a woman that has had an abortion.

- The anti-war police officer to provide safety and security to pro-war demonstrators.

- The devout Christian to provide food and shelter to a poor Jew.

- The fundamentalist nurse to provide counseling and hospice care to the gay man dying from AIDs.

- It enables the “bleeding heart liberal” working for the staunch conservative to be advanced solely on his merits.

Those are just a few examples of Americans puting our biases aside and practicing the art of ”Personal Integrity” and ”Professional Ethics.

It's no wonder the “right” can’t comprehend that. They don't practice it.

[maxrandb]

1. Any more examples of puting our biases aside??

Please share them.

[rudy23]

2. Like everything else, they project their own flaws onto the other side

--they can't imagine a person putting aside their bias, because they themselves can't do it.

Democrats think about a right and wrong that exists outside of themselves, and frequently can look at themselves from a detached perspective to think critically about where their actions fall between right and wrong.

Republicans think about what's good for them. They are guided by self interest, even in spiritual matters. It's about risk vs. reward, not right and wrong. They can't understand why a person would be critical of themselves. That's why they equate dissent with betrayal--they can't imagine why a person would "go against themselves." That's why they think Democrats dislike themselves, because they are willing to find fault within. They can't understand how you can support the troops, while being critical of those who send them into action--they don't feel any of that sort of conflict about themselves. All they think is "I'm awesome."

[maxrandb]

5. If the current republicans were around during Jesus' time

they would have accused him of being biased against the Pharisees, and would have discounted everything he said as being biased.

They can't wrap themselves around the idea of Personal Integrity because they assume that everyone is as hateful as they are. To them, it's impossible that Mr Greene disliked Bush, but was still able to do his job professionally, because THEY CAN'T.(see the entire Bill Clinton presidency as reference).

Their whole route to power is through devision and smear.

[BOSSHOG]

3. Roger that shipmate

No honor, courage or commitment amongst "conservatives." To take your well thought out argument sideways:

- "Conservatives" have to save their marriages by preventing others from being married. That's real ethical.
- "Conservatives" whine about being persecuted because they have so far failed in their endeavor to have their religious beliefs codified.
- The AFA radio "news" program has to work overtime and wordsmith intently to spin their stories against their "enemies." (New information soon to be available may prove that Michael Schiavo may have abused his wife.) Awesome integrity there.

An outstanding example of professional ethics is the base Chaplain who ministers to all Sailors of all faiths (hopefully that will continue.) I recall when I was stationed in Philly back in the 80's a new Chaplain checked onboard (O-5 in uniform). I asked him if he were Catholic and he said I'll be whatever you want me to be son.

There is not an ounce of personal integrity in today's "christian conservative" community, just intense hatred and ignorance.

Fair Winds Shipmate!

[maxrandb]

4. Salute!!!

Shipmate. Keep your powder dry.

Your example of the military chaplain is exactly what I'm talking about.

The Repukes assume that since they have such bias and cannot get past it, that no one else can either. It's as if Personal Integrity and Professional Ethics don't exist in their world and that is scary!

I have been fortunate to have tons of Sailors work for me. Never once would I even consider harming their career, simply because we disagree politically. It's not because I'd potentially get in trouble, it's because human decency tells me that I should judge people on the basis of their performance and ability.

Great story about my Greek Orthodox Priest that retired as an O6 from the Navy. He was in Vietnam, and a young Marine came up to him and said; "Father, I'm not Orthodox, but can I have some of what's in that cup" (talking about communion). This priest said; "Of course! Who am I to deny you"

Thought it was a beautiful story.

[seabeyond]

6. i was trying to say that the other day. you said it so well. i wish your

message would get out. someone anyone defend greene

[maxrandb]

9. I guess to the Republicans, this would be a perfect world

Pharmacist could deny medicine based on their personal bias.

Doctors could deny treatment based on their personal bias.

Landlords could deny housing based on their personal bias.

Police could deny service and protection based on their personal bias.

Fireman could deny service and protection based on their personal bias.

Judges could decide cases based on their personal bias.

Employees could deny promotion based on their personal bias.

That's just some examples of what you would have to beleive, in order to believe that a professional journalist is unable to practice professional ethics.

It's projection. They are unable to practice professional ethics, so they assume that no one is.

[Jim Warren]

7. The modern conservative

The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.

John Kenneth Galbraith

[Oeditpus Rex]

8. I'll get flamed for this, but I don't care

Because I know it to be true.

• The liberal journalist who writes without political bias.

[Iris]

10. Which points to another Republican problem

confusing truth with liberal bias.

[Just Me]

12. Um,...being liberal tends to COMPEL factually-based investigation and,...

,...writing. Being liberal compels looking at all facts, from multiple dimensions in order to most accurately reflect reality.

So, what you just asserted is accurate.

Why would you get flamed for that? :shrug:

[Oeditpus Rex]

13. Because there're a lot of people around here

who seem to believe there's no such thing as a liberal journalist and that all journalists are biased.

[Just Me]

19. Liberal journalists would be the LEAST "biased",...by their very nature.

They seek to present the WHOLE rather than a piece or part or peculiarity or politicosyncrasy or ideology. REAL "liberal" journalists are the principled individuals who aim to present HUMAN truth. There is NO bias to "liberal".

The right-wing ideologues have DEMONIZED "liberal" as being biased because the right-wing IS all about BIAS, all about discrimination, all about "distinction", all about "us vs them", all about distorting human truth for exploitative purposes.

So,...the TRUTH IS,..."liberal" journalists ARE THEEEE torch carriers of TRUTH.

They should be exalted for their principles, passion, persistence and sacrifice because they are the saviors of democracy.

Yes?

[Just Me]

11. Well stated. If they practiced "personal integrity" and "professional,...

,...ethics" they could not only COPE with the nuances of life but also advance human quality of life.

But, you know as well as I do that, only THEY have the power to be persons of integrity. Eventually, their failure to change within rather than rage without will damage not only themselves but also all those around them AND someday they will have to pay that bill.

[johnnie]

14. Great post

I know a lot of them that are exactly as you describe. I also have noticed that all those that I know are increasingly getting quiet. Some of them are realizing they picked the wrong man for the job and now they don't even have the integrity to stand up for what they believe in.

[cynatnite]

15. There are some who do...

The RW fundies who hold tightly to their prejudices I would agree that can't, but there are plenty who are anti-choice, believes homosexuality to be wrong, and more, but still able to do all you've listed and more. For them it's the christian thing to do and they really ask themselves 'what would Jesus do?' They take Jesus' teachings to heart when it comes to helping those who need it and leave the judgment for god.

I knew a few people like that. Their beliefs didn't fluctuate as a matter of convenience. They were a constant and they are the only christians I can honestly respect.

[Jade Fox]

16. Conservatives seem to think ....

that integrity amounts to controlling the behavior of others. How they manage to excuse themselves so often is a bit of a mystery to me. They only thing that can explain someone like Karl Rove (he is a devote Catholic) is that he must imagine he is doing God's work, otherwise God would stop him. Of course, God did give us our own free will, according to theologians.

The current crop of Conservatives seem to have decided it is so important to force their agenda on the rest of Americans (and the world) that their ends justify their means. This provides them with a great opportunity to chuck personal integrity out the window.

[tenshi816]

29. Where did you hear that Karl Rove is Catholic?

I've never seen anything indicating that he's Catholic, or any other religion for that matter. Do you have a link for this?

I believe the Republican party is Rove's religion. God doesn't enter into it.

[annabanana]

17. kicking for one more recommendation. . . . n/t

[kineneb]

18. repubs loosing Rotary members!

I have heard rumblings amongst my fellow Rotarians about dissatisfaction with the ethics of the current administration. We are supposed to be non-political as a service organization. Many are small business people and are by tradition Repubs. But...BushCo has succeeded in alienating many Rotarians from the Rs.

The Rotary Four-Way Test, of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

As is obvious, BushCo has failed on all questions, in all their actions.

[Gormy Cuss]

26. Well, it's hard to be involved in service organizations and

believe in the selfish, shortsighted policies of the W administration.

[glitch]

20. Well done. K & R nt

[rman]

21. Characteristic of a criminal mind-set

They just don't have any ethics, integrity, morals.
Which is why they don't practice it nor understand it.
To them obtaining power is just more opportunity to get away with criminal activities.

[seabeyond]

22. they use to. i know they did. i know many. when did it happen?

when did the knowledge go away? not too long ago. maybe it was all the excuses they had to make, to rationalize bush's fuck ups.

[maxrandb]

23. Their entire arguments can be summed up in one term

"Liberal Media"

I they ever lose the myth of the "liberal media" they go back to minority status.

They can't acknowledge, or accept such a thing as professional ethics, because it blows their whole "liberal media" argument to smithertheens.

Example: Good Morning America, with a 50-50, or 60-40 split in stories favorable to Republicans is "biased". Hannity and Rush with a 100% ratio of stories favorable to Republicans is "ballance".

They can't admit that a journalist that dislikes Bush can still practice "Professional Ethics", because they have to convince the public that the media is biased. If the public ever wakes up to their crap, they know they're in deep do-do

[seabeyond]

27. what i really find interesting in their perspective of media

it isnt that there are going to be any favorable story of a democrat. i have not heard anything positive about any democrat for years on media. what they consider as the liberal media is if the media actually talks about nsa spying, or plame case, or the studies being revised, or any of the other thousands of things that bushco have done wrong. that is liberal media to republicans. others would consider it to be giving the news. then on top of that, you still hear positive things about repugs. christian morals, family values, bush is a straight shooter, good ole christian boy. you never hear a positive about a democrat

[maxrandb]

28. When do the American people wake up to this??

Is the problem the corporate owned media? I mean, really, who has benefited the most from Bushco and the Repukes "give the rich a break" policies??

Why would the "liberal media" run negative stories about the "regime" that lines their pocket with cold hard cash. That would be like asking Walmart to urge their employees to unionize! It makes no sense, but I bet you if you ask a random sampling of Americans whether or not the media has a liberal bias, you'd get 8 out of 10 that say yes.

It's how they are able to stay in power. They don't even have to respond to negative news anymore. Every negative story can be deflected with the "media is liberal" argument.

Isn't it astounding that it takes reporters getting the shit blown out of them in Iraq for them to grow a pair and start asking tough questions?

For example, 80 people were just killed by a car bomb in Iraq over the weekend, making it one of the single most deadly attacks since the start of the war. Rush and Insanity would like for us to ignore that, that's not news, GI's giving out Hersey bars to one-armed Iraqi children is what they want covered. And "hey media, no questions about how the kids lost their arms."

[Ufomammut]

24. Criminally-minded people are by nature very conservative

The repug party also maintains strict "party discipline" which frowns upon individualism, which, given the propaganda covering the so-called "values" translates into tuning out any alignment within a moral compass.

[DaveJ]

25. I'd like to add to your list...

On the business side of things, it's personal and professional integrity that would cause:

- a businessman to hire legal american citizens, instead of outsourcing or insourcing cheap foreign labor.

- a community to stick with more focused and exprerienced mom and pop businesses instead of impersonal big box stores.

- a business that tries to share its success with its employees, instead of only its owners becoming 'successful' by underpaying its employees.

- a business which does not consider immigrants to be a source of cheap labor or a class of serfs, but which will treat them like real people and also encourage and facilitate their success.


Neocons are diametrically opposed to these habits which would require a strict system of ethics and integrity.

[hughee99]

30. If the "right" doesn't practice it...

Then the pro-life doctor, the devout Christian, the fundie nurse must all be moderates or progressives, or do these examples never happen in real life? It looks like your examples are counterproductive to your argument.