Is it possible to be a lifetime politician without engaging in any corruption at all?

2015-08-11T08:28:33-04:00

What does it take to be a successful career politician? Does a person have to do a shady deal or two to buy votes or survive? Or is it possible to be 100% completely free of corruption to remain a successful career politician? Is there really room for squeaky clean honesty at the top?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Aug 11 at 2015 8:28 AM

2015-08-11T08:28:52-04:00

Ask JimmyCarter

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Aug 11 at 2015 8:29 AM

2015-08-11T08:29:57-04:00

You got to be shitting me, right?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 8:30 AM

2015-08-11T08:30:07-04:00

It is possible. But violence and corruption is not only accepted in our culture but encouraged. It's to the point where we are suspicious of people with clean records.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 8:31 AM

2015-08-11T08:31:20-04:00

I think Ron Paul was a fine example of a person who led a corruption free political life. I could be wrong, and feel free to cal me on it if anyone has evidence to the contrary. He seemed to be a very stand up man who stood by his convictions to the consitution.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 11 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-08-11T08:33:53-04:00

I believe you can. God on your side it can happen.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 11 at 2015 8:37 AM

2015-08-11T08:37:48-04:00

IT SHOULD BE!

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 11 at 2015 8:42 AM

2015-08-11T08:42:04-04:00

A politician who isn't corrupted won't last long.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 11 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-08-11T08:46:15-04:00

If a person has high morals this should be nonissue but money changes everything

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 11 at 2015 9:02 AM

2015-08-11T09:02:20-04:00

I'm pessimistic on this. I don't think you can being that somewhere you'll have to face pandering for donations, and courting unions or trade organizations for their assistance in getting elected. Super and Mega PACS have pretty much ruined it for virtually everyone. This isn't absolute, but in todays current state, it's the way it is. Trump is currently the only one I can think of who isn't bought by a PAC of any kind, or heavily endorsed by anyone; he's using his own money and will deduct it come tax time.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 11 at 2015 9:04 AM

2015-08-11T09:04:21-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver I do not think that you can exist in a culture that is as toxic as the Washington culture is without becoming a part of it. Washington has become a place of political whores, deciding policy based on who is lining their pockets. The main reason that I don't feel that anyone can rise above the corruption and have a lifetime career is simply because that honest person may be elected, but if that honest person continues a pattern of honesty, the money dries up, support goes to an opposing candidate, and the person who keeps their morals in tact is voted out after one or two terms. The caveat to this is the person who runs unopposed. If a person ran unopposed for a long period of time, then that person could maintain both their moral values and their political ambitions.
I am very cynical about the state of our government. I do not believe that the government is of, by, and for the people, I really think that it has become a government For Sale to the highest lobbyist. The only way I see honest politicians returning to Washington is if there is a great voter purge, in which We The People stop voting D and R, and start electing people who actually hold with the views of average Americans. Just think of the poo storm that would ensue if every Democrat and Every Republican was replaced in Washington with a party free candidate who was actually in touch with the needs of the voters in their district. Imagine that candidate after Election working with others cut from the same cloth to actually do what is in the best interests of the American People, rather than their own pockets.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 9:26 AM

2015-08-11T09:26:42-04:00

I am not a lifelong politician but, my first job after the military was with government.

In the first week, I had a vendor ask if I wanted the same deal as my predecessor. I replied - I am not sure what you are asking. But, if it is what I think it is we can go discuss it with the county attorney.

I never had another offer, and vendors who were not doing business with the county started to bid again.

Yes, I think it is possible. It simply takes integrity.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Aug 11 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-08-11T10:06:03-04:00

Only if you stay a local politician (mayor, city council, etc) for the whole time and even then I think it would be tough. Any financial involvement with the State and National Committees (GOP and RNC) come with levers against a politicians free will.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 11 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-08-11T12:11:51-04:00

Yes, CH (MAJ) William Beaver it certainly is possible for career politicians and other elected officials to not only avoid being involved in corruption but also to actively work to eliminate corruption especially local level elected officials. The further an elected official or political adviser moves from their constituents the more likely they will be lured into corruption. This is why it important for elected officials not to stay in either the state capital or the nation's capital but to periodically return to their "home town" and reconnect with thew people they represent. This excludes visits focused on reelection :-)
The Bible gives us many examples of corruption among government officials - even David was "corrupt" and recognized his corruption and confessed, repented and received forgiveness many times. In the new testament, Cornelius, the Roman Centurion was noted for his generosity.
All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God - including politicians. We are surrounded by varying degrees of corruption; but, by God's grace each one including the most despicable politician can be delivered from being corrupt by confessing, asking God's help to repent, and accepting the forgiveness so freely offered by Christ.
Thanks PO3 Steven Sherrill for letting me know about this discussion.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Aug 11 at 2015 12:19 PM

2015-08-11T12:19:04-04:00

Yes, it's completely possible. I think the reality of today's elections makes it extremely difficult though. You're not going to make it without big money and big money comes with strings.

That said, I'm not sure it's the time in service that makes a politician corrupt. Most of the actually corrupt were dirty from day one. NOTE: I differentiate between corruption and blurry ethical lines. I've known some great people who were totally not corrupt but had very peculiar ethical views.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Aug 13 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-08-13T17:14:27-04:00

Yes, it takes insane levels of integrity... I suspect such men exist, but they're probably too disgusted with the political process to dip their toe into that pit of vipers.