Questions on the common good essay

Question 1

The common good means to be something that contributes to equality and freedom. It is the key goal of any state. In my personal life, the example of the common good was my volunteering experience. I believe that I should act for the common good both in my personal life and in public life as a public servant. Current U. S. policies, such as the 1996 Welfare Reform Act, serve the common good because they are focused on addressing the needs of people. Other examples of the common good include educational reforms that help to resolve the problems of children’s education, especially the children from poor and vulnerable families. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is one of the acts that is designed to protect the common good.  The act was passed by the US Congress in 2001 and signed into law by the U. S. President Bush in 2002.

Question 2

Each of us should serve as our brother’s keeper means that people should help the needy, provide protection and support, and contribute to the common good. I agree with this statement because it is a morally right decision to serve people. I am my brother’s keeper because I honor religion and comply with moral principles. As a public servant, I am responsible for others based on my directly assigned duties and responsibilities. I agree with Gawthrop’s statement because morality and democracy are interrelated. Other values that can be offered as guidance for public servants are honesty, loyalty, and intelligence. These values should be transferred to government contractors because they also take an active part in the implementation of public policy.

Question 3

I agree with Gawthrop who believes that hypocrisy is used to gloss over the purposes. In many situations, hypocrisy is immoral. We as a society should be able to protest against inequalities caused by the two opposing missions of bureaucracy and democracy. My experience with government bureaucracies was negative as I was treated unequally when I needed to re-register my car. I experienced challenges caused by the growing public administrative functions.

References

            Gawthrop, L. C. (1998). Public Service & Democracy, The Dark Specter of Hypocrisy, pp. 27-42.