Integrity is the foundation that honor is built on
Integrity is a choice
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
— Abraham Lincoln
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Integrity is a self-imposed moral virtue. It occurs when nothing else is needed to meet the strict ethical standard that a man sets and openly espouses. It requires a personal sacrifice of desire in favor of justice. It is more than a singular decision, it is manner living, sacrificing and succeeding.
Two men may disagree on a matter, but if each clearly and unequivocally publishes his position, a sound moral reasoning for the position and then acts decisively and predictably to support his conviction, they both can be said to have demonstrated personal integrity.
There is no greater honor or trust that exists in the world than to be a law enforcement officer. No other man of any description, has the authority to instantly deprive a man of his children, his freedom, his property or his very life. And society accepts that this is routinely accomplished based on the individual integrity and judgment of a single man.
A man can sink no lower than when he has gained this trust, he then chooses to violate it.