The political landscape has been inundated with the moral failings of those who have held positions of trust. The ongoing disclosure of corruption and deceit has crept across the moral face of our countries like a plague that knows no boundaries. The irony is that those caught still believe that they have the moral authority to lead because they have been elected or appointed to these positions of authority. I am reminded of a former prime minister who openly stated, “I have never knowingly done anything wrong in my life” and yet failed to explain the undeclared monies that were found in his possession.

This Machiavellian behavior, “the employment of cunning and duplicity in statecraft or in general conduct”, makes a mockery of the political system and reduces the office to pragmatic expediency that has no moral compass but only serves to advance the twisted agendas of these politicians.

Yet history has repeatedly shown that “the good and the great draw others after them; they lighten and lift up all who are within reach of their influence. They are as so many living centers of beneficent activity. Let a man of energetic and upright character be appointed to a position of trust and authority, and all who serve under him become, as it were, conscious of an increase of power. When Chatham was appointed minister, his personal influence was at once felt through all the ramifications of office. Every sailor who served under Nelson, and knew he was in command, shared the inspiration of the hero. When Washington consented to act as commander-in-chief, it was felt as if the strength of the American forces had been more than doubled. Many years late; in 1798, when Washington, grown old, had withdrawn from public life and was living in retirement at Mount Vernon, and when it seemed probable that France would declare war against the United States, President Adams wrote to him, saying, “We must have your name, if you will permit us to use it; there will be more efficacy in it than in many an army.” Such was the esteem in which the great President’s noble character and eminent abilities were held by his countrymen.

It has been said of the politician Sheridan that, had he possessed reliableness of character, he might have ruled the world; whereas, for want of it, his splendid gifts were comparatively useless. He dazzled and amused, but was without weight or influence in life or politics. Even the poor pantomimist of Drury Lane felt himself his superior. Thus, when Delpini one day pressed the manager for arrears of salary, Sheridan sharply reproved him, telling him he had forgotten his station. “No, indeed, Monsieur Sheridan, I have not,” retorted Delpini; “I know the difference between us perfectly well. In birth, parentage, and education, you are superior to me; but in life, character, and behavior, I am superior to you.” (Samuel Smiles)

These politicians have lost their moral authority to not only govern but to lead. They have been seduced by the entrapments of power and as such have prostituted the system for their own personal gratifications. It is far past the time for them to leave their positions of authority. Let others take their place who will govern with character and command the respect of those who deem them worthy to follow.