Library / Fantastic Fables

The Honourable Member

A fable by Ambrose Bierce

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Political satire about a thieving lawmaker.

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The Honourable Member

A Member of a Legislature, who had pledged himself to his Constituents not to steal, brought home at the end of the session a large part of the dome of the Capitol. Thereupon the Constituents held an indignation meeting and passed a resolution of tar and feathers.

"You are most unjust," said the Member of the Legislature. "It is true I promised you I would not steal; but had I ever promised you that I would not lie?"

The Constituents said he was an honourable man and elected him to the United States Congress, unpledged and unfledged.

What is he mocking?
Thieving legislators dodge blame with word games, and voters reward them with promotion.

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Discussion questions

  1. What does integrity mean in the context of public service, and why is it important?
  2. How does this story reflect real-life situations in politics today?
  3. In what ways can we hold our leaders accountable for their actions?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Two Crabs