Integrity

Integrity (from Wikipedia) is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions. Integrity can be regarded as the opposite of hypocrisy, in that it regards internal consistency as a virtue, and suggests that parties holding apparently conflicting values should account for the discrepancy or alter their beliefs.

The word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete). In this context, integrity is the inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. As such, one may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that they act according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold.




I am sure if you read the above definition you may be able to apply it to yourself, people you know, and/or situations. Recently, for instance, there has been news on Michael Jacksons death. AEG, the company who was promoting his series of concerts was asked to produce documents related to his death to the insurance company they were asking for compensation for their losses from. AEG, although they state they are a very professional company, doing no wrong, failed to produce a series of emails that were asked for as well as providing the insurance company with factual information. And although some may question the "internet conspiracy" theories on Michael's death, some may also find it fascinating that the Michael Jackson Estate executors are continuing to pursue monitary compensation from the insurance company. I am unclear as to whether this was a private policy held by the estate, by Michael himself, or an agreement they had with AEG. As far as I know, and of course I could be wrong, but most companies have to have grounds to file suit. If the policy was enstated to protect the interests of AEG for the entertainer they were endorsing for the show, what grounds would the Estate have to file a grievance unless they entered into a policy or agreement knowing the final outcome.




Back in the days of slavery there were many politicians that were considered highly respected and good men. Say a bad word about them and it would go unbelieved. One such man was George Washington. He was good wasn't he? We all remember the apple tree story right? Truth be known, however, true integrity stands not only outside but within an individual. In order for us to change anything in this world we must stand firmly in our beliefs of equality and peace, both inside and out. We have around us a system that likes to bend the truth to fit with what they want the public to believe. This systematic approach is within our governments and within our corporations and business, as evidenced above.




I've recently run into an article about the George Washington and his slaves. I don't think that many of us even think of him having them. However, his slaves were said to be treated very badly. In 2002 the government even tried to cover up the fact that they existed. Slavery was bad enough in and of itself, but trying to cover up the fact that it existed is just absurd. If you ever saw the movie "The Sixth Sense" where the boy is talking to dead people and the teacher asks him where the capital is, after you read this article you'll understand his answer and will maybe even have a new perspective on that part of the movie.

The Presidents House in Philidelphia


There are several factors that can lead someone to losing their integrity. Greed is one. As posted below Michael saw this in many places, even in the churches. The lyrics in the song are powerful.




"Money"


Money.
Money...
Lie for it
Spy for it
Kill for it
Die for it
So you call it trust
But I say it's just
In the devil's game
Of greed and lust
They don't care
They'd do me for the money
They don't care
They use me for the money
So you go to church
Read the Holy word
In the scheme of life
It's all absurd
They don't care
They'd kill for the money
Do or dare
The thrill for the money
You're saluting the flag
Your country trusts you
Now you're wearing a badge
You're called the "Just Few"
And you're fighting the wars
A soldier must do
I'll never betray or deceive you my friend but...
If you show me the cash
Then I will take it
If you tell me to cry
Then I will fake it
If you give me a hand
Then I will shake it
You'll do anything for money...

[Chorus:]
Anything
Anything
Anything for money
Would lie for you
Would die for you
Even sell my soul to the devil
Anything
Anything
Anything for money
Would lie for you
Would die for you
Even sell my soul to the devil

[Verse 2:]
Insurance?
Where do your loyalties lie?
Is that your alibi?
I don't think so
You don't care
You'd do her for the money
Say it's fair
You sue her for the money
Want your pot of gold
Need the Midas touch
Bet you sell your soul
Cuz your God is such
You don't care
You kill for the money
Do or dare
The thrill for the money
Are you infected with the same disease
Of lust, gluttoney and greed?
Then watch the ones
With the biggest smiles
The idle jabbers...Cuz they're the backstabbers
If you know it's a lie
Then you will swear it
If you give it with guilt
Then you will bear it
If it's taking a chance
Then you will dare it
You'll do anything for money...

[Chorus:]
Anything
Anything
Anything for money
Would lie for you
Would die for you
Even sell my soul to the devil
Anything
Anything
Anything for money
Would lie for you
Would die for you
Even sell my soul to the devil
Anything
Anything
Anything for money
Would lie for you
Would die for you
Even sell my soul to the devil
Anything
Anything
Anything for money
Would lie for you
Would die for you
Even sell my soul to the devil

[Verse 3:]
You say you wouldn't do it
For all the money in the world
I don't think so
If you show me the man
Then I will sell him
If you ask me to lie
Then I will tell him
If you're dealing with God
Then you will hell him
You'll do anything for money
Anything
Anything
Anything for money
Would lie for you
Would die for you
Even sell my soul to the devil