Ethics

Ethics - This is very hard to define and many think they have good ethics. Recently I was shopping at a local store when the man in front of us left over $60 on the counter. No one noticed, I could have put that money in my pocket, instead I had my son run out and stop the man and I gave him his money. I think he was in a state of shock, but thanked us. After serving 25 years in government, reviewing ethics policies and attending various conferences, I have come to a simple rule on ethics. Ethics are what we do when no one else is watching. Also think about your actions, would you mind having your actions or what you are doing published on the front page of the next day paper or on the local news. Government of all kinds worry about what the headline will say or if the information will get out. If this is the case there is most likely an ethics issue at the heart of the matter. Remember violations of ethics are not always illegal, they are just doing wrong instead of what is right.