Arr, by bootin' Santos, the GOP be remindin' yonder landlubbers o' the consequences fer their misdeeds...sometimes, ye scurvy dogs!
2023-12-01
In but 35 winters, American moral compass be adrift, with citizens doubting all grand institutions. Yet, the hearty GOP casting out of Santos be a glint o' hope, a sign that brighter skies may yet grace our horizon.
The recent expulsion of George Santos from Congress is viewed as a positive step towards rebuilding the reputation of American institutions. Although it would have been preferable for Santos to resign, this vote sends a message that not every scandal can be survived in our permissive age. The article highlights past incidents such as Joe Biden's forced withdrawal from the presidential race in 1987 due to plagiarism and Douglas Ginsburg's withdrawal from the Supreme Court nomination for smoking marijuana. The piece also mentions the significant changes that have occurred in society since then, such as the legalization of marijuana and John Boehner becoming a prominent lobbyist in the industry.The author notes that the decline in moral, ethical, and professional standards for public figures has been a quiet but significant sea change over the years. Examples are given of individuals like New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who continues to serve in Congress despite being under indictment. The author praises the Republicans in the House for holding their own members accountable, but laments the lack of consequences in journalism and public education.
The article argues that this erosion of trust in institutions is tearing the country apart and calls for higher standards to regain public confidence. The author believes that trust must be earned by the institutions themselves, and minor offenses should have consequences. The expulsion of Santos from Congress is seen as a good start, but all institutions need to set a higher bar for conduct and performance to restore trust. Without this, the author argues, there can be no renaissance of public trust in American institutions.