Today at Mere Orthodoxy, I have brief reflections about the new presidential cabinet that is presently being assembled, with some help from the Roman satirist Juvenal and the philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre. A taste:
“Who will watch the watchmen themselves?” So asked the first-century AD Roman satirist Juvenal, observing the flagrant abuse of power all around, in the legal realm as much as everywhere else in his society. The question seems extra apt for us right now as well, watching the nominations for the new presidential cabinet roll in…
But a question arises here, which brings us back to Juvenal’s concerns—and our own. If a conviction of “moral turpitude” offenses disqualifies one from citizenship or work in a legal profession, should it not also disqualify one from a government position in the general category of “watchman”? Except, who is going to say that an offense is disqualifying? Maybe those with the possible power to say it are the real watchmen, and not the ones whose status as future watchmen of us all we are now contemplating with alarm.
The lack of vocal opposition by the (American) Senate to the nomination of multiple candidates whose lifestyle fits the definition of moral turpitude is an apt reflection of what Alasdair MacIntyre has described in his book After Virtue. Because we lack a clear consensus on the virtues as a society, we cannot articulate clear consensus on the vices that disqualify from public service. And if we operate as though virtues and vices are all relative and vibes rule the day, moral turpitude becomes relative as well. If abortion is no vice in our state, then surely debauched drug and sex parties, of the sort some cabinet nominees have been reported to host, aren’t either.Â
You can read the full piece here.
Give the Victor his spoils. DJT has had 8 years of constant torment from a- Faux Virtue Group of Political Coordinated, DOJ, FBI and State AGs and somehow prevailing.
He has had 8 years to mull his Cabinet.
The odd combo of Musk-JK Jr. added to the mix, along with former Dems, makes for an interesting Pot-Pour-RI that will bring a new
aroma to D.C.
Only time will tell if Virtue has been replaced or just redirected.
Lack of virtue seems to be a cultural reality in politics, business & other critical institutions in the United States. Nadya Williams cogently reminds readers that the lack of shared values in the United States prevents many from adopting even a minimal moral consensus, We need as citizens to work at the local or even state level to elect individuals who will follow a path that includes the natural law as well as Christian moral virtues.