Our morally deteriorating nation

The concept of right and wrong is meaningless to a great number of Americans today. A relativist position with regards to morality appears to be widespread. This philosophy of life is based on the belief "Something is good if it is good for me." Need to lie to get the job? Go ahead. Did someone cut you off in traffic? Don't get mad; get even. Your attractive co-worker is flirting with you? Forget your vows of marriage and cheat on your wife.

A perfect current example of American indifference is that of President Clinton. From Whitewater to Paula Jones, from the mysterious death of Vince Foster to Monica Lewinsky, the president's name has never been even remotely free from scandal. No "right-wing conspiracy" dreamed up by Hillary or any other Clinton supporter can explain away these many infamous events.

Sadly enough, I do not need to persuade the majority of you that President Clinton is untruthful or has been unfaithful to his wife. Therein lies the problem. Many, if not most Americans seem convinced of the president's guilt in at least some of the aforementioned dilemmas, but for some incomprehensible reason these same people often dismiss these issues as irrelevant to the presidency.

This same standard applies to Hollywood. Actors and actresses are in a position to influence many, and they do, unfortunately often for the worse. Remember Hugh Grant? His late-night tryst was more sensational than scandalous to the general public. After all, it is expected that stars will drink, do drugs and sleep around. Why should their admirers be held to any higher standards?

The professional athletes that are role models to many often let down their supporters also. Latrell Sprewell attacked his coach, left to take a shower, and went back to assault him again. The initial shock over this incident soon wore off. Instead of going to jail, the former all-star will be cheered once again in the NBA next year.

What does this say about us, the American people, that we are so accepting of such glaring unethical and immoral standards? To answer the question of how we have sunk this low, we must first go deeper and respond to another question. On what is a successful, smoothly functioning society based?

To begin with, a nation must have laws. Without statutes and ordinances government would not exist and chaos would reign. Such a society would not last long. But on what foundation are laws based? There is necessarily some greater moral code from which these laws spring. Killing is wrong, not because there is a law against it, but because it is fundamentally wrong. Likewise, lying and adultery are fundamentally wrong and should be avoided.

If untruthfulness is tolerated in the highest levels of business and government, it can only be assumed that it is a normal practice for many. If cheating on your spouse does not bring infamy but rather greater popularity, one is forced to wonder where or when Americans lost their sense of right and wrong. A country cannot be run successfully for long when such practices enjoy widespread acceptance.

A nation is based on trust. You trust that the post office will deliver your mail. You trust that your neighbor will come to your aid in an emergency. You trust that the military will protect the United States from invasion. Society cannot function without this basic trust. To quote my grandfather: "A society based on deceit and lying will eventually deteriorate into anarchy."

What is needed is courage - the courage to face the temptation to be dishonest and to choose honesty, the boldness to reject the temptation to get ahead at the expense of others. A moral revolution must take place if values such as these are to regain the prominent place that they once held in American culture.

The knowledge of right and wrong, of good and evil must be regained soon by American as a nation. Many simple things can help effect this change. Make sure children tell the truth. Punish them if they are caught lying or stealing. Encourage and reward good behavior. Set a good example by being honest and fair in your own life. If our sons and daughters are not taught to be decent, honorable, trustworthy men and women, they and the generations that follow will pay dearly for our apathy.

Chris Fahrendorf is a junior majoring in accounting. His column, "The Bottom Line," normally appears every other Tuesday.