"If we are all sinners, aren't our public officials just doing what comes naturally?"

Ethics 101

At its core, ethics is about choices.  I am not talking about the acts: to commit adultery, solicit a bribe, or abuse power.  I am talking about developing a system of values.  Without developing values in which we believe, it might be too late when we actually have to make a difficult choice.  An ethical life demands that we consider what we value before we have to make a choice.  If we value a hedonistic life that seeks to use people to gratify ourselves irrespective of the hurt, then we are prepared to make a choice consonant with our values.  If we develop cynical views about politics or business that approve taking advantage irrespective of the harm, again that informs our choice.   These are not my choices. I value loyalty to my family and friends, honesty, and frankness tempered with empathy.  And I am not pretending to be a moral paragon by claiming to be superior to others.  I do not know too much about military codes of honor, political oaths of office, or religious vows.  I suspect they are relevant if consonant with what is valued and considered in relation to how they might be practically applied.  I prefer to develop my own values.  I also believe that once values are considered, we need actually think about how they might be practically applied.  When it comes time to make choices, I can look to my values for guidance.  That is one reason I belong to an Ethical Society.