THE SENTINEL: NBC Scandal Reflects America's Integrity Crisis

Truth is a virtue and must be seared into the human conscience, heart and soul.

In every respectable theology, society and philosophy from the beginning of time, truth is honored; while false witness, lying and deception rejected.

There is a moral prescription within our hearts that demands truth and forbids misrepresentation. Whenever truth is violated an injustice is committed with society and ourselves.

Lying is a contradiction to the moral path we are called to walk and it violates the natural order of life.

Candor, sincerity and truth is critical to society as these virtues prevent hypocrisy, duplicity and moral decay.

Offenses Against Truth

The oath taken during court proceedings is a powerful reminder of the importance of truth throughout society. But unfortunately, the sacred swearing of “I do” after the question “do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God” is often not honored.

Whenever truthfulness is violated in court, it is perjury and a grave injustice to our moral compass.

Perjury is particularly contemptuous when innocence is condemned, the guilty exonerated and unfair punishments or decisions inflicted.

Lying violates human dignity and undermines personal credibility and the effectiveness not only of the judicial system but facets throughout all society.

Essentially, lying is the intention to violate truth and it deserves condemnation. Being dishonest is a violation of justice, charity and integrity. Lying is detrimental to society and destructive to reputations.

Responsibility of Mass Communication

The current NBC scandal of its prime time news anchorman is under scrutiny. Hopefully, there will be lessons learned that are medicinal for him, the company and the nation.

Countless millions can be instantly influenced through a news story and so integrity is critical.

Although it is not a court of law bound by an oath, the media must have a code of ethics and moral responsibility to present the truth.

Responsible journalism demands moral principles built on integrity, character and ethics.

All who hold positions of influence in the media have an obligation to honor their profession with integrity.

At the same time, discretion is also a virtue and it must be understood that public safety, professional confidences and the need to know also deserve honor.

American Integrity Scandals

The current NBC scandal is nothing new with contemporary society that beckons an ethical renaissance.

Although it is being dramatically scrutinized, it is indicative of the crisis of character within America that often has scandal, dishonesty and greed as underpinnings.

Here are some other contemporary integrity scandals:
•Virginia Tech-the failure of the university president to give a full and transparent account of his decision to not inform the campus of two murders nor to immediately lockdown the campus to prevent 30 additional killings.
•Purdue Pharma L.P.-as the maker of the powerful painkiller OxyContin, they pleaded guilty to misleading the public about the drugs risk of addiction.
•Enron-once an admired electric and gas company, now stands as an icon of dishonesty, deception and greed.
•WorldCom-former CEO Bernard Ebbers was found guilty of fraud, conspiracy and false regulatory filings and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
•Major League Baseball-dishonesty by players under oath on steroid abuse during a Congressional Hearing. Notably, Rafael Palmiero’s sworn testimony that “I have never used steroids-period.” Just a few months later, this steroid pumped slugger was suspended for abuse.
•Tobacco executives-the CEO’s of America’s 7 largest tobacco companies perjuring themselves before Congress by each swearing that nicotine is not addictive.

Tell the Truth

The destructiveness of lying in relationships, business and court proceedings is an injustice. We must respond with lives of integrity and dedicate ourselves to telling the truth.

Lying has negative consequences individually and collectively to families, communities, companies and the moral compass of America. Truthfulness must always be the heart of our ethical heartbeat as it is critical to reawakening the nation.

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America. Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award for combating crime and violence and is former confident of the New York Yankees. His newest book is "Listen To Their Cries." For more information see www.vincentbove.com.

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