Guest columnist, Thomas MacQueeny: Graduates will need their moral compass

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May 16, 2009

Anonymous The Joplin Globe Sat May 16, 2009, 07:56 AM CDT

In our hearts, we know what is right and what is wrong. Conscience is that little voice that makes us pause before doing something wrong.

Too frequently we ignore or suppress that little voice to satisfy our desires. After the act, or after getting caught, we may be racked with guilt, shame and regret. As Shakespeare tells us in “MacBeth,” “Once a deed is done, it can’t be undone.”

When I asked my advanced placement literature class to raise their hands if they have cheated in my class, all but three out of 26 raised their hands. I was shocked because these are the best students in the school. Most have loving, successful parents. Most have been blessed with fine minds. They blamed their actions on the pressure to get into college. The moral and ethical truths that define lying, cheating and stealing as wrong have been blurred in our competitive culture.

Our nation’s moral compass is not pointing north; it is spinning around. Recently four nominees for Cabinet posts by President Obama had to withdraw because of personal income-tax issues.

I found this very telling and frightening. Today’s youths see actors, athletes and politicians committing crimes with impunity. They grew up in an era of steroids being used pervasively in all sports.

The media tend to glorify lavish materialism and crude, risqué and selfish behavior. The pervading ethos is “everybody is doing it; I want my share.” I am reminded of Lord Henry’s quote in Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray”: “The only way to resist temptation is to yield to it.” Our culture seems bent on cheapening the dignity and worth of human beings.

What makes us human is the ability to determine if something is right or wrong. I think we know, perhaps even a priori, deep down what is right and what is wrong. This is our heart, our soul and our conscience. If your heart keeps telling you something is not quite right, it probably isn’t. If you have to hide a behavior, it probably is wrong.

We must try to hear the little voice of the heart or soul. I have learned in my 50 years of life that it is easy to be naughty and difficult to be good. That’s why the Bible refers to life as a race, a war, and a fight between good and evil.

We must first figure out what we believe is good or evil. I believe there are moral absolutes. The Ten Commandments are timeless because they are words of wisdom. They contain truth and lay a foundation for living a just life. Becoming a mature adult is having the courage to make decisions based on principles that are just and honorable.

For America to reverse the decline it is in, individuals must strive above all else to be altruistic and ethical.

I wish all the graduates hope, love, light and laughter. Try to be good human beings and contribute to America’s ascension.

Thomas MacQueeney is a communication arts teacher for Joplin High School.

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