Other citizens would add military officers who close an eye to sexual harassment, clergy who destroy their sacred trust by commiting sexual misdeeds, police who abuse power and talk-show hosts who sensationalize human suffering. But the truth is the press already does a pretty powerful job of exposing these groups to public scrutiny and shame. The real shame is that professionals do not stand up and renounce their own peers once they are convicted of illegal and unethical deeds. We are ashamed and condemn his errors for the damages they did and for the mistrust they generated in our society. While no one is above reproach, we rededicate ourselves to strive harder to meet our economic goals with the highest ethical standards.
Professionals send ominous signals when they stand silent in the face of colleagues' crimes.
Given our silence, it is understandable that public trust is fading. In part, we probably confuse being judgmental with using good judgment. Yet, we routinely exercise our good judgement based on evidence and standards. We also probably confuse what is legal and what is ethical. Americans are committed to due process and innocence until proven guilty.