Is Integrity Dead? A Discussion

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This episode is a discussion of my recent article on Integrity and politics. The full article is reprinted below. Entitled, "Is Integrity Dead?" highlighted the difference in integrity between four presidents. It concluded with a quote from President Eisenhower and a challenge for Americans now.

 The discussion is between Raphael and Lexi, generated by Google Notebook LM

"This week in America the virtue of integrity was showcased in a dramatic juxtaposition unprecedented in 249 years of national history. It’s vital we reflect on what happened and why it is important.

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having high moral principles. It is a cornerstone of personal and public life. The value of integrity is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian ethic. From the Ten Commandments to Paul’s imperative to “put off falsehood,” it is clear that a person with integrity is aligned with God and with a life of virtue.

President Jimmy Carter exemplified integrity. His election campaign in 1976 promised, “I will not lie to you,” to an America who had heard lies from Nixon’s Oval Office repeated again and again. He talked to the nation honestly about the oil embargo, Iranian hostages, and the environment. In the years following he won the Nobel Peace Prize, fought for fair elections around the world, and eradicated diseases. He lived a full century of integrity that is being remembered with his death and legacy.

Kamala Harris presented decades of public integrity. As California Attorney General, US Senator, and Vice-President, she served with honesty in all aspects.  Her personal life shows integrity with a strong marriage, loving family connections, and business dealings that have been public and ethical. Her last public act was to certify the results of the 2024 election as a defeated candidate, yet true to the ideals of democracy.

The work of Joe Biden demonstrated integrity since his election to the Senate 57 years ago. In countless encounters his compassion, wisdom, and honesty have worked for the good of the nation. As President he led from the strength of character which bridged partisan division and lifted the nation to economic recovery. World leaders know they can trust his leadership. He respected the democratic process in this election. 

In complete contrast and juxtaposition, Donald Trump lacks even the most basic integrity and moral principles. He is the first President to be a convicted felon, defrauding the state and now paying millions in penalties. He has declared bankruptcy multiple times. His divorces and affairs are well-documented. The Big Lie of a stolen election was proven wrong by every court and election board in the nation yet was a central feature of his 2024 campaign. Four years ago, he tried to steal the election from Joe Biden with a gang of insurgents seeking to overthrow the Constitution. America has never had such a criminal in the Oval Office as now.

I am gratified that more people voted against this criminal, over 77.5 million, than voted for him. We can curse the Electoral College for robbing these sincere voters. But 75 million voted for him, ignoring the corruption, lies, and failures. That is a shocking rejection of integrity as a qualification for the highest office in our land. 

President Dwight Eisenhower said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possibl

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