Before the verdict in the Casey Anthony murder trial was announced, HLN’s Nancy Grace, lawyer and host of her own show, has been banging the drums loudly for almost three years regarding the absolute, undeniable guilt of this woman. Before I go any further, let me say that this commentary is not about the guilt or innocence of Ms. Anthony. It’s...

Scanning the papers, I’m passing along stories that could use your ethical input. Front page of the NY Times, Ex-Teammate to Confront Clemens at Trial has former NY Yankees pitcher Andy Pettite testifying against friend and former teammate Roger Clemens in a DC trial beginning today. Charges stem from Clemens alleged use of steroids and his subsequent testimony before Congress in March...

Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, Mr. Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence clearly lays out the principles – both ethically and spiritual – that we stand for. The opening sentence sets in motion an unequivocal understanding that God gives both independence and equality and that due to the “opinions of mankind” they declare themselves an independent country. When in the...

We interrupt our special Fourth of July commentary for this TMZ Exclusive: Jim Lichtman, ‘Renowned’ Ethics Specialist, is Lost! Lichtman was last seen giving Mel Gibson advice outside an L.A. eatery (see photo) around June 14th. Sources close to the writer confirmed that in spite of his work with the “ethically challenged,” Lichtman was reported to have spent the entire month of...

Although faith is not an ethical value, its importance in driving ethical conduct should not be underestimated. In fact, the word faith comes from the Latin fidere meaning ‘to trust.’ During his thirty-five-year career in the Marine Corps, General Charles Krulak served two tours of duty in Vietnam and rose through several command and staff positions to become Commandant of the Marine...

Throughout millennia, philosophers have pondered questions like: What is good? What is truth? What is justice? In the world of Seinfeld, Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer ponder nothing but themselves. However, all display a variety of philosophical types. George is the fatalist. “My father was a quitter, my grandfather was a quitter, I was raised to give up. It’s one of...

AMC’s Mad Men is rife with ethical issues. In creator Matthew Weiner’s ‘60s universe of advertising ad men and women, Joan Holloway is one of the most captivating and contradictory characters on the show. Originally seen as a Marilyn Monroe type, Joan has been quick to dispel any notion of air-headedness. In 2008, the Chicago Tribune wrote that “Joan certainly can be brusque with...

Continuing my month-long focus on positive stories, the following account is potent in its simplicity. Few of us will meet the kinds of ethical decisions faced by tobacco insider Jeff Wigand or WorldCom Executive Cynthia Cooper. However, all of us will face choices that will test who we are and what we stand for. Michael Braunstein is a professional trainer...

During the first of what would become my favorite two years, I was listening to the Moody Blues (on cassette), Tchaikovsky’s 1812 (on vinyl) and Simon and Garfunkle’sSounds of Silence. I studied theater and philosophy, worked on a college production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and rock-climbed. I read Clarence Darrow for the Defense, Carlos Castaneda and Hamlet.  » Read more...

Reading some after-talk comment cards, I came across a note which read: “Nice talk, but how about using a personal story or two to make your point?” Okay. Being trustworthy requires more than being honest. It requires us to make reasonable efforts to keep promises and obligations, and carry out the necessary integrity to resist temptations and pressures and do...