Problem
Having graduated with a degree in public administration and hoping to pursue a career in politics, you have been fortunate to receive a staff position with one of the leading senators in your state legislature. Since your arrival two months ago, you have answered phones, ordered lunch, made copies, stapled mailings, and stuffed envelopes. Finally, you have been asked to look over a speech the senator will deliver at your alma mater. Surely, you think, this will be the first of many important assignments once your value is recognized.After reading the speech, however, your enthusiasm is dampened. You agree wholeheartedly with its support of a bill to fund scholarships for low-income students, but you are dismayed by its attack on opponents of the bill as "elitist bigots who would deny a college education to those who need it most." You have not been asked to comment on the ethics of the speech and you certainly do not want to jeopardize your position on the senator's staff. At the same time, you think the senator's use of name-calling may arouse sympathy for the opposition. The senator would like your comments in two hours.
What will you tell the senator and why?