The issue of integrity is one in a core set of personal traits that define who we are. One American hero defined it.
Our very character is determined by each of at least nine traits, including integrity.
Dr David Jeremiah’s new book will be released on October 3rd. He is previewing Life Beyond Amazing in a series of programs aired on television and available at his website, DavidJeremiah.org.
As I watched today, I was struck with his comment on integrity. Dr. Jeremiah said that a profound definition of integrity is one that comes from (James) Stockdale.
Integrity is keeping a commitment after the circumstances under which the commitment was made, have changed.
James Stockdale was a United States Navy, Vice Admiral. Stockdale was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in Viet Nam. He was a POW and ranking officer at Hoa Lo Prison. It became known as the “Hanoi Hilton”.
I use this to illustrate the difference between Admiral James Stockdale, and Senator John McCain, both prisoners in Viet Nam.
I can not list all that James Stockdale accomplished in his life but can refer you to the website for The United States Naval Academy. The link directs you to the Stockdale Center, and the Center for Ethical Leadership.
You will find a short bio of Admiral Stockdale.
The point of all of this is personal integrity.
- John McCain was a naval officer and aviator.
- James Stockdale was a naval officer and aviator
- John McCain was a POW at the Hanoi Hilton
- Stockdale was a POW and McCain’s commanding officer while held by the N. Vietnamese.
- Stockdale earned the Medal of Honor largely due to his leadership as a POW.
How is it that Stockdale would become the guiding light of ethics for naval officers while John McCain seemed to fail often?
Was it a lapse of integrity that created McCain’s role in the Keating Five?
Was is it similar lapses during McCain’s Presidential campaign that led to being soundly defeated by a community organizer.
The most recent lapse of integrity was McCain’s reversal of his own commitment, and voted against his president.
Stockdale defined integrity
The United States Naval Academy, McCain’s alma mater, considered Admiral Stockdale so highly, they created the Stockdale Center For Ethical Leadership.
James Stockdale defined integrity: “Integrity is keeping a commitment after the circumstances under which the commitment was made, have changed.”
What changed after McCain’s multiple commitments, over several years, to repeal and replace Obama care?
The simple answer is Donald Trump.
John McCain failed yet again in the test to display personal integrity.
He placed his personal feelings for the President above what is best for the people of the United States.
If it is not true, then he is just a liar. He was lying when he repeatedly committed to repeal and replace Obama Care.
I regret that John McCain is suffering from cancer. It is a horrible disease. Noone should have to endure such affliction.
McCain’s lack of integrity and his illness are in no way connected. Both are tragic.
That’s how I see it. I welcome your comments. Let me know in the comments section below.