It is very easy to turn this blog into a political debate. Republicans will point fingers at Democrats and visa-versa. This is not a time to debate sexual harassment in the congressional workplace. This is a time to determine why sexual harassment has risen to the forefront in congressional discussions.
Theoretically members of congress, the men and women we elect to represent us, should uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior. They are not upholding those standards. At the exact time of this writing, Thanksgiving 2017, Sen. Al Franken, Rep. John Conyers, another member of congress accused of sexual harassment has just been identified by Rep. Linda Sanchez. Then there is nominee Roy Moore and apparently, some comments have been made in regard to Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Joe Biden has been dragged into the allegations as well.
Yes, there is a well-established House Ethics Committee. I don’t think it is working for congress, and more importantly, it is not working for us.
End Posturing
Sexual harassment in any form is wrong. It is not an issue that can be reduced to party lines, and though some party faithful like to say things “I told you so,” we all understand that today’s accusations against some Democrats, can easily turn into tomorrow’s accusations against Republicans. For example, we can easily remember the harassment activities against Sen. Bob Packwood, a Republican and Sen. Paul Simon? Sexual harassment within the halls of congress does not know gender either. There have been classic examples of Congress people harassing males as well as females.
I should say that it is not limited to just congress. Who can forget the Clarence Thomas – Anita Hill sexual harassment scandal?
To be sure, the sexual harassment scandals have long been the fun and folly of television and Hollywood comedy. However, for most Americans (the great majority of us who live in the real world), the entertainment industry even approaching the topic of sexual harassment in Congress in a light-hearted manner, is hypocrisy at its highest. This post could have just as easily featured sexual harassment scandals in Hollywood as it could have in congress but with several exceptions.
For the most part, the majority of congress people are lawyers. They are quite familiar with ethical arguments. Some simply choose to look and act as though ethics has never existed. For the most part as well, they theoretically understand the consequences of violating ethics rules. Unfortunately, they are too busy posturing and covering their unethical behaviors behind layers of legalize than they are of taking a more ethical route.
It is not just about party lines I am afraid. It is an environment, almost cocoon like that has insulated congress from their constituencies. It is an emboldenment and a self-empowerment that has been incorporated into the psyche of congress that is quite serious. They get caught – and then they posture. As sophisticated as a member of congress may be, indeed as well-versed in the law as he or she may be, it is amazing how often their rationale may be, “Well, the other guy did it too!”
Another Approach
My approach to teaching members of congress about ethical behavior would be to break them lose from the moral equivalency, insular world in which they now operate and to bring in ethical teaching “from the field.” While I know that may sound self-serving (I am not limiting the discussion to myself!), I am nevertheless suggesting that it is precisely “their constituency” who can better inform them as to what is expected and how they should better handle their choices.
In real life, in the world in which most of us operate, sexual harassment is not a joke and it is dealt with harshly and quickly. Our people in congress should understand the consequences we face and that they should face as well. To my way of thinking, it is precisely those of us who teach ethics, choices and consequences in real life situations who can relate what we expect.
Though it should go without saying, I will say it in any case: ethical training of politicians should not start at the federal level. Local, regional and state politicians must be ethically aware before they even consider stepping onto a higher stage. It is not only important, it should be demanded.
-YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME!
