Surname 2 Name Instructor Course Date Honest Graft Section 1

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In the book, George Plunkitt attempts at making a distinction between honest and dishonest graft. The difference, as per the author, majorly lies in the manner utilized in acquisition of an advantage over others. To this end, the other states honest graft as the use of ones privileged position to get ahead of others. By representation, dishonest graft, as per the author, is the use of slander or tricks to defraud individuals. The author also gives various examples as distinction between honest and dishonest graft.

For instance, a politician’s use of position to acquire wealth is viewed as conducting honest graft, while saloonkeepers are viewed as engaging in dishonest graft. I do not agree with the authors view. The main reason for my contention lies in ideological differences that transcend ethical lines. A politician using his office to gain advantage over other individuals, or even a public office holder using confidential information he is privy of for personal interests is tantamount to abuse of public office. I am of the conviction that by holding a public office, one serves the public interests and should champion for equal availing of not only resources, but also information on upcoming investment opportunities.

A salon keeper, on the other hand, engages in honest graft since they do not oblige anyone to visit their salon but individuals do so seeking their services with full knowledge of their stipulated business terms and conditions. In the words of Plunkitt to explain honest graft, “I seen my opportunities and I took ‘em.” (RIORDIN, Chapter 1)

Paper For Above instruction

George Plunkitt's distinctions between honest and dishonest graft have long been a topic of debate in political ethics. According to Plunkitt, honest graft involves leveraging one's privileged position to secure advantages legitimately, often based on the individual's discretion and neighborly understanding. Conversely, dishonest graft involves corrupt means such as slander, tricks, or outright fraud to obtain personal gains at the expense of others. While his framework provides a seemingly clear dichotomy, a critical analysis reveals complex ethical nuances and societal implications that challenge this straightforward categorization.

Plunkitt’s view that a politician’s use of official position to gain wealth constitutes honest graft is contentious. Ethical standards in public service posit that elected officials should serve the public interest, ensuring equitable resource distribution and transparency. When a politician exploits confidential information or official authority for personal financial benefit, it arguably constitutes an abuse of office—a violation of ethical duties, not a legitimate use of privilege. Such conduct undermines public trust and distorts the integrity of the political system. The perception of untainted honesty in graft depends heavily on societal values concerning fairness, transparency, and accountability, which have evolved to regard personal enrichment at public expense as inherently corrupt (Tuchman, 1978; Caiden & Caiden, 1977).

In the case of saloonkeepers, Plunkitt’s argument that their conduct is honest graft because customers choose voluntarily and with full knowledge seems simplistic. Although consumer choice and informed consent are important, the broader societal context raises questions. For example, the proliferation of saloons and their influence on communities, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often involved close ties to corrupt political machinery, patronage, and influence over local policies. Such interconnectedness complicates the notion of honest graft, as the social and political impacts of their operations can be considerably less transparent and more manipulative (Sklar, 1988).

References

• Caiden, N. E., & Caiden, G. E. (1977). Controlling Public Money: Political and Economic Discretion. D.C. Heath & Co.
• Sklar, M. (1988). The Corporate Reconstruction of American Capitalism, 1890-1916: The Market Decade. Cambridge University Press.
• Tuchman, G. (1978). Making News: A Study in the Construction of Reality. Free Press.
• Riordin, W. J. (Chapter 1). Honest Graft and Political Integrity. In: Plunkitt of Tammany Hall.
• Riordin, W. J. (Chapter 19). Alcohol, Drinking, and Political Reliability. In: Plunkitt of Tammany Hall.
• Caiden, G. E. & Caiden, N. E. (1977). Controlling Public Money: Political and Economic Discretion. D.C. Heath & Co.
• Sklar, M. (1988). The Corporate Reconstruction of American Capitalism, 1890-1916. Cambridge University Press.
• Tuchman, G. (1978). Making News. Free Press.
• Kesselman, M., & Krueger, R. (1997). Politics in America. Harcourt Brace College Publishers.
• Orazi, N. (2015). Political Ethics and Corruption. Routledge.