Political scandals have been commonplace since the birth of politics. People have questioned the morals and ethical codes of politicians and vilified them when they fell short of the public's exceedingly high expectations. Politicians should not be held to a higher ethical standard than you or me because they are people just like us. They are subject to the same temptations that we are, and though they should display integrity to perform their job well, they should not be subject to unrealistic standards of ethics. We shouldn't hold them to a higher ethical standard than everyone else, but instead, we should hold everyone to the same high standard.

Furthermore, the whole concept of ethics is fuzzy. Different people declare different things moral and immoral. It is improbable and impossible for us to require politicians to meet higher ethical standards when we cannot clearly define those standards. Ethical ambiguity is hard to live with because some people, politicians included, genuinely want to do the right thing or want others to do so, but someone, somewhere, will always find fault in that person's decision.

Politicians are elected to serve and perform a job: to serve the people and assist with the governance of a country. However, skillful and effective execution of politics and high ethical standards are not mutually exclusive. One can be advantageous and successful without having pristine morals. We have just as much of a role in what takes place in our government, therefor we cannot expect politicians to meet a standard that we ourselves cannot even meet. Ultimately, politicians are expected to do a job - represent the people - and if their morals do not affect their politics or harm others, then they should not be victimized or expected to live up to higher standards than anyone else.

Some may argue that the immense potential affect politicians have on people and their status as role models subject them to higher ethical standards. However, by that logic, celebrities too have a greater capacity to influence others and be a role model than the average person. Obviously, and sadly, most people don't always hold them to a higher ethical standard. Instead, the public and media crucify them for their flaws and questionable morals. Politicians are the same way.

If a politician does something unethical, like committing adultery, we condemn them in the press. We are horrified and express disgust. But if our doctor or teacher had an affair we wouldn't villainize them or refuse to listen to or see them again. Why should it be any different for politicians? Everyone exhibits a lack of ethical standards now and then, yet only the politicians are continuously and unwaveringly vilified.

Politicians have a tremendous responsibility to their fellow men and country, but so do we. We shouldn't expect more from politicians than other so-called role models, public figures or even ourselves. We should instead hold them to our own high standard.