Let's have a little faith

According to a recent Gallup annual poll, 55% of Americans rated members of Congress as having “low or very low” ethical standards. For the first time ever, Congress scored even lower than car salesmen, whose ethical standards only 51% of Americans considered low or very low.

In the current political climate, this number isn’t really that surprising. Between tea party marches decrying government, attendees at town hall meetings lashing out at senators, and the unforgettable “you lie!” during Obama’s speech, it seems as if respect for our government is at an all-time low.

This attitude is one that I find quite disconcerting. I believe that a basic trust in and respect of the institution of government is a fundamental factor in any functioning democracy.

Now, I’m not saying that the public should blindly accept everything the government tells it, or that all elected officials are saints. Obviously, there are some politicians who don’t deserve the public’s trust or votes. It’s hard to turn on the news without hearing about the latest political scandal, whether it’s John Edwards’ affair or Mark Sanford’s steamy Argentinean jaunt or Rod Blagojevich’s senate seat selling.

But the fact is, not every governor or senator or representative is an Edwards, a Sanford, or a Blagojevich. Of the 535 members of congress and countless other politicians that work every day to keep our government running, there are sure to be some bad eggs. Judging the ethical standards of all politicians by a few choice examples, however, is just silly. It’s just that CNN isn’t going to do a top-of-the-hour report on how the junior senator from so-and-so passed another bill helping his state’s residents like they would if that same senator was caught embezzling funds.

But scandals are only one part of the puzzle of why politicians garner such widespread disrespect. These days, it’s considered kosher not to trust or respect someone simply because you disagree with them. Just look at the town hall meetings, Joe Wilson’s little interruption, or Rush Limbaugh’s comments about how he hopes Obama fails.

When it comes down to it, I believe that most politicians, no matter their political ideas, are working toward the same goal: making America a more perfect union. Agreeing with and respecting or trusting politicians are two completely different things.

So give your friendly neighborhood politician a little slack. The odds are, he or she is still working for you. And, at the very least, they aren’t trying to sell you a car.