ServiceWise

Pride in the Public Eye

Because our lawmakers and civil servants have to put the people first.

We take it for granted, assume, that our city, county, state and federal officials are honest, that they operate with our best interests in mind. Our country has a militia, a military with several arms, the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and that these have special departments, like the Navy Seals who found Osama Ben Ladin.

Being in the public eye, our public servants, including the police and fire departments and the National Guard, need to be exemplary, must put the people first.

To serve and for some of our officials, protect— that’s the goal. When public officials are accused of illegal acts, commit behaviors unbecoming to those representing their constituents, those of us who pay their salaries with our taxes, we have a right to demand that they take themselves more seriously. They represent who we are.

Rationalizations and the details of public scandals go viral, become newsworthy as sexual and financial abuse. Congressmen sexting, officers involved in sexual assault, officials involved in corruption, on the take—these behaviors undermine the integrity of office. Americans follow the news, and aren’t necessarily forgiving.

A little awareness about relationship violence, boundaries, and the cost o f losing the public trust, and none of it has to happen. When it does, it can be recognized and stopped.

SERVICE WISE is about keeping public servants accountable, holding onto the public pride in our country.