Opinion: Take a Pledge, Trump
(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
By Joshua Wagner, Opinions Editor
“I affirm that I will uphold the highest principles of honesty and integrity in all my endeavors at Gettysburg College and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect within and beyond the classroom.” These words are referred to as the Gettysburg College Pledge. Every first-year Gettysburg repeats this pledge at Opening Convocation and is held responsible for adhering to its promises. Students may choose to write a version of this pledge, outlined in the Honor Code, on each of their assignments; however, it is common knowledge that the Honor Code always applies.
If occupants of the White House adhered to such standards, the political climate would be very different. Some members of the current administration are dishonest. They wage debates using “alternative facts.” Mr. Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani even claims that “the truth is not the truth.” Such a proposition would not hold water under the scrutiny of the Honor Commission.
Additionally, our Commander-in-chief does not foster mutual respect beyond the classroom. The New York Times has documented 487 people, places, and things that Donald Trump has insulted on Twitter. Albeit, some items on this list elicit a chuckle – this practice does not show great integrity or mutual respect.
Mutual respect, integrity, and honesty should not be partisan issues. Perhaps the administration should take a pledge affirming these principles like a first-year Gettysburgian.
