Ethics matter, no matter who you are

In recent years an outburst of ethical and moral scandals has plagued our society.

Corporate America, religious organizations, government, national sports teams and other groups of our society have been exposed to outrageous immoral and unethical scandals involving leaders and public figures.

Names such as Dennis Kozlowski (Tyco), Tom Delay (former U.S. congressman), Ted Haggard (former pastor at New Life Church), John and Timothy Rigas (Adelphia Corp.) and Kenneth Lay (Enron) are just a few names on the long list of recent public moral and ethical scandals.

Is this increasing wave of moral and ethical scandals in American society a surprise? Or are they indicators of society's decadent moral and ethical principles and practices?

Public figures involved in these scandals receive plenty of media attention. But a bigger question remains: What about the rest of us?

Normal and regular citizens live day in and day out in the normal context of a society, but what do we really know about ethics?

How much do we really care about ethics? And is it possible to learn about ethics and to practice sound moral ethic behavior even though--in many instances--society tells us other ways?

Perhaps we can only answer these questions once we fully understand how much ethics is part of our lives. It's especially important to analyze the role that ethics plays in our decision making.

Consequently, it's also important to recognize that our ethical responsibilities aren't limited to the obvious choices, but in every decision we make where ambiguity exists.

For some privileged people, ethics is intrinsic to their persona.

People with strong ethical and moral foundations are prepared to deal with ambiguity and overcome obstacles that are related to ethics. Perhaps for others, ethics are waiting to take higher priority in their lives.

Whatever the case is, one thing is certain, ethics and sound moral behavior are, without a doubt, the most important assets to any person in society.

It's easy to believe that the consequences of immoral practices and unethical behavior can only affect public figures.

But the truth is, the consequences of unethical behavior affect everyone.

The next time you face an ethical dilemma or a decision where ambiguity is present, regardless of how big or small, remember that your reputation, your character and your future is at stake.
Jose Arreaga
Newbury Park