Dear Editor.
I often wonder if I am unique in attempting to draw strong parallels between socio-political realities in the United States and our own society.
I am well aware that such comparisons run the risk of being inappropriate, given the significant differences one can readily recognize. At the same time, however, we continuously use other societies as barometers for our own standing.
As such, one cannot help but take note as the New York State Governor is forced to resign after committing an act which some consider—in the big scheme of offences committed by individuals in public office—relatively minor. What this speaks to is the fact that the society has internalized certain moral standards for and expectations of public figures.
More importantly, this has led to a recognisable degree of personal accountability on the part of the public figures themselves.
I often wonder what has happened to our moral compass and find myself hard-pressed to identify an individual or individuals in the public realm whom I would regard as projecting the moral standards for our society. No one seems ready to stand up and declare him/herself the moral authority; that icon worthy of emulation.
All societies, especially ours, where some public figures commit acts with such impunity, need role models; individuals of stellar credentials and impeccable character, in leadership positions. Our leaders should be held to a higher moral standard. It is accepted that such expectations may serve only as idealistic ends to which we aspire, given the weaknesses all humans possess, however, we need exactly this to raise the general level of moral standing within the society.
It is only then that we can seriously begin to repair the moral fabric of our society which, for too long, has been in tatters.
Yours faithfully,
Lasandra Defreitas
