“Have you no decency?”
Those words come to mind when we watch how politicians behave—in public and online. Leaders are supposed to set the standard, but dignity and respect often seem absent, replaced by loud arguments and petty drama.
Much of what passes for political discussion on social media is empty rhetoric—sound bites over substance. Instead of offering real ideas or solutions, many public figures chase catchy slogans and viral moments. Headlines grow bigger and words flashier, but depth disappears. Meaningful conversation is replaced by hollow promises and attention-seeking posts meant to stir emotions rather than promote change. The louder the online noise, the easier it becomes for real leadership to be drowned out.
Too often, public statements are more about making noise than making a difference. Insults, rumors and unprovable accusations take the place of ideas, all in the hope of going viral. But what spreads is anger, not solutions. The result is more heat than light—more chaos than character.
People notice when politicians act this way, whether on a screen or at a microphone. This behavior doesn't build trust—it deepens division. Mark Twain is often credited with saying, “Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Time and again, when politicians run out of ideas, personal attacks dominate, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
Communities deserve leaders who show respect and bring genuine ideas to the table. As we scroll through sound bites and headlines, perhaps it’s time to ask every public servant: “Have you no decency, man?” That question matters both online and offline.
Restoring class—and substance—could help rebuild trust in our communities. The time has come for those in public service to choose dignity and ideas over drama and division—or risk losing the public’s faith for good.
