Integrity in The Political Stew

As the whole world watches the US nominations, we are pulled between the desire to see someone who seems to know what they are doing and someone who truly believes what they say. It's unfortunate that we don't see an abundance of competence and character flowing through individuals. Interestingly, the reporters almost seemed surprised that people are voting not purely on the issues but on the "untangibles" such as "believability", "honesty" and, believe it or not, "character". People want a practitioner for sure, but they want one they can trust.

What a dilema political leadership finds itself in. Hard nosed politics says, "get it done no matter the cost", but now people are demanding deeper levels of integrity, of all things. In the past we could play integrity but now, with the media picking up every word and picking apart every life, that game isn't so easy. It's now up to the spin doctors to integritwist their candidates out of hot spots.

The issue of integrity though is fundamental to good leadership. For a leader to truly have willing followers they have to build trust. Trust is that one thing that when lost can be almost impossible to regain. Regardless of how competent someone is, that trust issue is what political leaders in a democratic society count on. It's what all leaders need. Can you be trusted?

In Jamaica, one of our young politicians Kern Spencer, is now being investigated for unlawful criminal conspiracy and corruption in the illicit award of contracts. Cuba sent 4 million energy-saving light bulbs to Jamaica and Mr. Spencer has awarded contracts in the amount of $276 million for the storage, transportation and distribution of the same. His "baby mother" and his child's grandmother were among those recieving benefits from the contract. The major contracts were given to companies that had no business track record whatsoever.

What's worse about this story is that you'd believe that this is one of our dinosaur politicians who missed the class on character. Instead, this happens to be the youngest person ever to be appointed to the senate at 28 years old. Apparently, what we thought was a dying breed is alive and well and still in diapers.

Integrity is still the most critical measuring stick for leaders today. Character still counts. Trust is the only thing that our leadership can be securely built on. People will excuse your incompetence if they trust you. But they'll forget your accomplishments if your character's flawed. Whether in politics or business or church, what people demand are leaders they can trust. Can you be trusted?