Integrity: the missing ingredient

There was one good thing about Gingrich's response to the opening question of the GOP debate in South Carolina. In his attempt to avoid the question, he provided the answer to it. It's simple really.
He has absolutely no understanding of integrity. Or why it matters. Let’s try to clear it up for him.
In a recent class I took at BYU, our professor pointed to studies on the relationship between the treatment of women and  the level of corruption within governments and societies. It was a fascinating study. And while the subject may be freely and continually researched, the point here is to lay the groundwork for the casual story. Ultimately, the degradation of the family unit, specifically in the treatment of women,  leads to degradation in our governing institutions.

How?
Because families are unique in their ability to instill certain values within us, even at an early age. Those who dishonor marital vows ( like through adultery, pornography, ect…) demonstrate a lack of self-restraint and inability to keep commitments. Their pattern of objectification of women leads them to view others/all things as objects of satisfaction existing for personal fulfillment and self-interest alone. There is no drive towards selflessness, sacrifice, honesty, loyalty, or integrity. If this amoral view becomes entrenched in an individual's mentality in his personal life and at home, how can we expect him/her to behave differently when it comes to interactions on, say, a government level? Interactions with other government leaders, interest groups, lobbyists, and the people will be likewise viewed from an excessive self-interested perspective. All are objects meant for self-satisfaction. And without integrity, without the moral foundation, what is there to prevent corruption?

In short, the corrupting power of pornography or other immoral activities within an individual’s persona life and family lead to corruption within the body of government.  The latter is a natural effect of the former.  How can a man who cannot honor his commitments to his wife be expected to honor commitments to constituents or even other governments. How can we except him to have the self-restraint required to avoid corruption or the integrity necessary to stand firm in his declared principles even when things get tough?

 Integrity is about being true to a set of moral standards. It is about being honest and dependable. The question that began the Republican Debate might have been framed like this, "There are claims that you lack integrity? Do you want to address those claims?"

 And Gingrich's answer, "I don't see what integrity has to do with anything." And therein, his character, and complete lack of moral comprehension, is revealed. Thank you, Newt, for enunciating so clearly why I will not be putting my vote behind you this year.

Because I, at least, want a president I can trust. I want someone I can believe in.

Integrity, as it so happens, is rather important to me.