The Hippocratic oath is well-known. It is an ethic code dictating the medical profession. It is named after the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. It is respected as a guide for the healing professional’s conduct.
It is still used in the graduation ceremonies of many medical schools. Its code of principles dictates the obligatory ethical behavior of those practicing the medical arts.
There is another oath
But this article introduces another oath governing those elected to political office. It is the Hypocritical Oath. This is disconcerting. It is incensing. It is inexcusable.
But it is casually accepted and cunningly justified. It is the old “bait and switch” con on the political level—the citizen is told the POL will do one thing only to see the exact opposite is being practiced once the POL is safely ensconced within the beltway!
The term “hypocrite” is never commendable. Etymologically it refers to one who is playing a part. In the theatrical use it describes one who would change personalities by removing one mask and putting on another.
Thus the “hypocrite” is wearing a mask that convincingly presents himself one way but will quickly change masks to be a totally different character and is equally convincing in the opposite role.
Our term communicates that one is “acting on the stage; pretense; playing a part, pretending.” “A hypocrite, one who tries to make himself appear to be what he is not, especially to seem better than he is.” [Century Dictionary]
An interesting observation regarding political hypocrisy. It is “the conscious use of a mask to fool the public and gain political benefit”.
In any given year political hypocrisy is rampant. In an election year political hypocrisy is “pandemic.” It does not matter if one is red or blue or purple. There are myriads of examples where the POLS don a mask and play the part.
Hellbound and Down 