Bradley, Goss and the EU? A lesson from the B-Boys

Ethan Shalom Johnson

Peace Of My Mind

The Beastie Boys, in their song "Pass the Mic," eloquently paraphrase Shakespeare: "So this is what I got to say to you all/ be true to yourself and you will never fall." It's one of my favorite lines, but what exactly does Mike D. mean by it? That is, what does it mean to be loyal to oneself? I believe, though, that this concept can be defined in one word: Integrity.

Certainly, integrity has many forms and it is important to take lessons from those around us who have exhibited great amounts of integrity as well as from those who find it in short supply.

One impressive example of moral integrity seen in the past several weeks comes to us directly from Europe. The European Union and its member countries have subjected Austria to diplomatic castration after Austria allowed the misnamed Freedom Party, led by neo-fascist Jorg Haider, into its government.

Haider has accused immigrants of being responsible for - among other things - crime, drugs, welfare fraud and tuberculosis increases in Austria. He has also praised parts of the Nazi army. The EU is acting in a manner true to its ethical mandate by exposing Austria's moral neglect.

Back on the home front, we are witnessing what may be the rebirth of political integrity. This year, more New Hampshire citizens voted in the presidential primary than ever before, and the driving forces behind the record turnout were Bill Bradley and John McCain. Bradley's straightforward, no-nonsense attitude has garnered the votes of Americans weary of paper-thin campaign lies.

Sen. Bob Kerrey calls Bradley "incorruptible," because he has the integrity to stand up for the causes he believes in. (Interesting note: Michael Jordan recently jumped on the Bradley bandwagon). McCain, for his part, has attracted voters by staring down the Republican Party with his unyielding support for campaign finance reform.

Of course, our political leaders are not known for possessing overwhelming amounts of integrity, especially when it comes time to formulate policy for the country. Members of Congress frequently claim psychic power to predict the nation's economy a decade forward while also promoting the most near-sighted of legislative proposals.

Last summer, congress passed a $792 billion, ten-year tax cut so ludicrous that even many Republicans who voted for the bill actually opposed it. The scoop on the Hill was that everyone knew President Clinton would veto the bill and so Republicans voted for it just to look good for their constituencies.

The honest thing to do would be to recognize that no one knows for certain where the economy will head next week, let alone next decade. Therefore, congress should not use the surplus for expanding programs or on massive tax cuts. Our government should show some political integrity and make sacrifices now to eliminate the national debt.

The federal government currently spends 11 percent of its budget paying interest on the debt, which this year totals just over $200 billion. Paying down the debt will enable America to fund new programs and save social security. In addition, eliminating the debt will effectively constitute a gradual tax cut, because when the government does not need to borrow money, car loans and home mortgages get cheaper because of lower interest rates.

Something all of us can relate to more easily (especially seniors) is professional integrity, or being true to the requirements and the mission of your job. Tom Goss knows about professional integrity. As Athletic Director, he worked hard to improve the well being of student athletes in the academic, athletic and personal development arenas.

In contrast to Goss, the individuals who leaked information to the media about his departure exhibited a total lack of professional integrity, not to mention the journalists who ran banner headlines on the basis of two sources they couldn't cite. You know who you are and shame on you for attempting to ruin a good man's name.

Most important of all, though, is the personal integrity of one's goals in life. Happiness and fulfillment grow out of doing whatever it is that excites you. As Adrock says, "You gotta have dreams to make it all worthwhile." Chase your dreams, and no matter what anyone tells you, obey your conscience, because that is what being true to yourself is really about.

- Ethan Shalom Johnson can be reached via e-mail at ethanj@umich.edu.