It depends on what the meaning of the word "is", is.

This now famous line from the battle between
the lawyers who make laws, and the lawyers who make
ways to get around laws,

is a reasonable segue

into a discussion of the meaning of the word "ethical".

It will come up in the discussion of ethical reform of government.


Ethical reform in government, absolutely depends on
the meaning of the word "ethical".



It also depends on the meaning of the word "accountability".


The meaning of "ethics" is a no brainer.

There are a million written "codes of ethics";
the best ones are the most unequivocal.

Pick one.

Hold yourself accountable to it.

Honest accountability to an ethical standard of conduct.

That's what the word ethical means.

"Ethical" is unequivocal standards and inevitable accountability.

Accountable by a system over which you have no control.

Accountable by a system that is powerful enough to hold you
accountable, even against your will.

On the day that you see honest accountability
to meaningful standards of conduct and competence,

you will see the end of the culture of corruption.



And not one day sooner.