Corruption

I heard a Republican candidate for U.S. Senator lie on the radio this morning. An outright, glibly stated, lie, unchallenged by the interviewer. I found this both chilling and aggravating. What has become of any semblance of honesty in politics?

The candidate declared, "I have always been a member of the working class." He is a lawyer, a corporate executive and a high-ranking Federal appointee. I was more strongly annoyed when I read his bio and found he had attended the same Jesuit prep school and college I attended. His home town, unlike my own, was a wealthier suburb, even in the 1960's. He is not working class now and it is questionable whether he ever was. 

This incident speaks to the blurring of facts by the media as well as politicians for financial or political gain. As a humanist, who respects scientific method and facts over speculation and fiction, I find this trend of anti-scientific, politically correct and politically corrupt speech offensive. I also find the public apathy in the face of this corruption of the values of government and authority equally offensive. 

My practice dictates that I will be writing a comment on this piece at the radio station's Web site after I complete this essay. My practice dictates that I will lend greater support to the political opponents of this candidate. My practice dictates that I will also write to his campaign machine to express my questions about his statement.