Scooter Libby and Public Values

The sentencing of Scooter Libby provides an excellent study in the condition of our political process and the values of our political class. A large number of letters were received by the presiding judge urging leniency for Mr. Libby. These letters were by and large from senior Republican officials and other prominent Republicans. The general thrust of their argument was that Scooter was a good guy and an outstanding public servant. At the same time Mr. Libby's attorney made the argument that his transgressions were minor and not deserving of prison time. This argument was also heard in a loud chorus from Republican partisans outside the courtroom. Even our President and Vice President issued statements of sadness and regret for the conviction of this "fine man." The implication of this outpouring of sympathy being that he has been the victim of an injustice. Remarkably, many of these voices were the very same ones that savagely attacked Bill Clinton for his lies under oath.

Nowhere on the Republican side was there heard the lamentation that Scooter had disgraced his Republican brethren. Not heard was consignment of Scooter to his just fate for his crimes and more importantly for failing to uphold the honor required of a public servant, or for his poor example to the general public of blatant dishonesty by a high public official. These things were only heard from the Democrats. Of course if Mr. Libby was a Democrat the players would have simply reversed field.

The object lesson of this spectacle is that the values of our political elite have become severely degraded. Speaking the truth is not considered a requirement in public life today. Promoting partisan advantage takes priority and is valued over truthfulness and all other considerations. This does not go unnoticed by the general public or by young people, who are acutely aware of hypocrisy, take note of how our leaders actually behave regardless of what they say, and model their own behavior accordingly.

This is just one facet of a political culture steeped in non-truth. We cannot hope to come to grips with the large and increasingly intractable problems of our complex society while our political process is is in such a degraded state. Our leaders demonstrate daily that they are willing to lie, cheat, violate the law whenever it suits them and generally do whatever it takes to gain partisan advantage and excuse themselves and their fellow partisans for all such behaviour while condemning their opponents for same. How can we expect the general public to respect the law and strive for the high road when they see their leaders consistently taking the low road?

Politics doesn't have to be like this. Our political process is in such disrepair because we the people tolerate it. If we demanded honor, candor and service to the greater good from our public servants we would get it.