Ethics Reform, Bobby Jindal

Ethics Reform / Bobby Jindal

It appears that a greater emphasis will soon be placed upon the topic of "ethics reform," as Governor Elect Bobby Jindal noted that he would make this a top priority of the issues he would address after his inauguration yesterday. Governor Elect Jindal has noted some examples of this as "1. requiring all legislators and statewide elected officials to disclose their personal finances and 2. banning contracts between businesses in which legislators have a financial interest and state government," as cited recently by Advocate Reporter Marsha Shuler. I am hopeful that he will succeed in this.

A literature review of some helpful resources, like the ones we used in an Ethics class that I taught recently, may help us "brush up" (or "brush off the dust") on our ethical minded thinking and behaviors.

"The Ethical Action Test," noted in Eric Harvey and Scott Airitam's book Ethics 4 Everyone, can be helpful: A. Is it legal? B. Is it in sync with our faith's / organization's values? C. Would I do it to my family or friends? D. Would I be perfectly okay with someone doing it to me?

Another simple way to consider ethics is from the perspective of an early twentieth century English jurist, John Fletcher Moulton: "obedience to the unenforceable." Rushworth Kidder noted this in his insightful book, How Good People Make Tough Decisions. In this sense, ethical behavior is truly tested by the extent to which the universal (natural) laws are accepted or not.

Another par excellence example of ethical guidelines is the Ten Commandments, which have provided most cultures with the building blocks for the development of laws that certainly provide stability for us. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is an example of someone who lived out the heart of this and the Christian message of love of God and neighbor.

To use a Social Work term, Mother Teresa was certainly a "change agent" who made an indelible mark on many people. All recognized saintly people have given us a great example of how ethical reforms have to begin within us before we can hope for ethical reform outside of us - in our families, work place, communities, etc. The Greek word "metanoia" highlights this, and is defined as a radical change or transformation in how we live.

A helpful daily technique that I use to reviewing this in my life can be referred to simply as an examination of conscience. In those instances when I need to ask God for forgiveness of sins that I've committed, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Confession) is available for Catholics.

In conclusion, ethical reform is a necessary activity that can help all of us in society. It must begin within each of us in order to be evident in our world. Let's hope that politicians and all of us who wear WWJD bracelets have it right and not interpret it as "What would JUDAS do?"

Keith John Paul Horcasitas, LCSW, MHA, 1133 Knollhaven Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, khorcasitas.yahoo.com, January 15, 2008