Electorate Capable of Corruption, Too

Political corruption remains a perennial concern for the voting public, and with good reason. Still, this particular brand of dishonesty has something in common with other human failings: People tend to see it clearly in others but not so clearly in themselves.

Accordingly, the idea of constituents selling out should leave us feeling equally appalled.

We're not saying that voters are corrupt in the ways that dishonest politicians and unethical lobbyists are corrupt. It's just that now and then the public faces the temptation to support a policy that offers a supposedly easy way out of a difficult situation. Government can promise simple solutions on virtually anything.

Health care: tax the wealthy, soak the insurance companies and somehow medical procedures will become "free" for everyone. Public safety: treat more citizens as potential lawbreakers, with or without proof, and somehow society will feel more secure.

These so-called solutions tempt us to look the other way — away from integrity, fairness and respect for basic rights — while a fast one gets pulled.

Some good advice: Hold yourself as well as your elected representatives to high standards. Don't sell your vote for an idea that lets the government take an even bigger role in redistributing our property and our freedoms.

REPRINTED FROM THE JACKSONVILLE DAILY NEWS.

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