As a “child of the ’60s,” I had hopes that the principled world we envisaged would come to pass. Instead, we have witnessed progress, at best, as two steps forward and one back.
We so-called baby boomers might have lost our momentum and even let down our kids and theirs. For that, I am embarrassed and sorry.
I am too old to take to the barricades, except digitally. This is likely my last hurrah.
Like most Canadians, I have been appalled anew by the pathetic venality, transparent trickery and, perhaps, dishonesty of certain members of our political class.
I am a retired public servant, veteran of both federal and provincial governments. Over the years, I have been exposed to many upstanding politicians. All the while, however, like other Canadians, I have witnessed activities that would not have met — sometimes by a long shot — the standards proposed in the following pledge.
There are those who will say that such a pledge is hopelessly naïve, that politics has always had its sordid side and even righteous politicians will have sinned while seeking or clinging to power. This is not a new brand of cynicism, but it is nevertheless dismaying, since it is impossible to eradicate misbehaviour when some appear to condone or admire it, even to characterize it as inevitable.
So it occurs to me that politicians at all levels should take a pledge, such as the one I propose or yet another more elegant and possibly more stringent version. Then we will be better able collectively to pass judgment on the trustworthiness of our politicians, whatever level of government, based on norms that we, the public, understand and embrace.
Is there a political party or a politician at any level that would see this pledge, or one like it, as an opportunity to help restore our trust?
The pledge:
I will always place the interest of the public above my own or that of my political party and all vested interests.
I will always tell the truth, without equivocation or evasion, even though I shed unfavourable light on myself or my party.
I will always be a trustworthy steward of public monies and never succumb to undue interest, or claim or accept benefits at the expense of my duty to the public.
I will report wrongdoing to the appropriate authority, lacking which — or lacking satisfaction — I will publicly disclose my concerns.
I will do my utmost to ensure that the public is fairly informed of major issues and policy solutions and will oppose positions that represent pandering, empty posturing or manipulation, as opposed to my honest conviction that they are ethically sound and in the public interest.
I will do everything in my power to ensure that my constituents and the general public have a fair opportunity to express their views on major issues and policies.
I will do my best in my private life to act as a model citizen — honest, forthright and worthy of emulation. If I am uncertain as to how a given situation or relationship may compromise my pledge, I shall consult with the appropriate public official.
I will ensure that non-elected public servants and party insiders whom I oversee will meet the same ethical standards to which, via this pledge, I publicly commit myself.
Michael de Rosenroll of Victoria is a retired public servant.
