The Legislator and the Citizen

Story Summary
In this humorous moral story, an ex-Legislator seeks a recommendation from a Most Respectable Citizen for the position of Commissioner of Shrimps and Crabs, despite his notorious past of selling influence. Initially outraged, the citizen ultimately agrees to help, crafting a witty letter that highlights the irony of political corruption and emphasizes that an honest man should only "swap" influence rather than sell it. This timeless moral tale offers a valuable lesson on integrity, making it an engaging choice for kids' moral stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that integrity cannot be compromised, and one who has engaged in corruption is unworthy of trust and support.
Historical Context
This story reflects the satirical tradition of American political humor, particularly in the early 20th century, when corruption and graft were prevalent in government. It draws on the archetype of the flawed politician, reminiscent of the works of Mark Twain and other writers who critiqued the moral failings of public officials. The dialogue showcases the tension between respectability and hypocrisy, highlighting the absurdity of political appointments and the often murky ethics of public service.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the persistent nature of corruption and the moral complexities of influence in modern life, where ethical boundaries are often blurred in pursuit of power and personal gain. A real-life scenario reflecting this moral could involve a business executive who, despite a history of unethical practices, seeks a recommendation from a respected industry leader for a lucrative position, only to have the leader question the integrity of the request and ultimately expose the questionable values behind such appointments.
You May Also Like

A Protagonist of Silver
In "A Protagonist of Silver," a Member of a governmental body delivers a heartwarming moral speech to fellow financiers, framing their vested interests in silver mining as a noble cause against the government's recent decision to undermine the metal. This grand rhetoric inspires a rare moment of solidarity, prompting the Members to leave the hall, marking a significant action reminiscent of simple moral stories that highlight the importance of unity and purpose.

The Cobbler Turned Doctor
In this short story with moral lessons, a cobbler, driven by poverty, falsely claims to be a doctor and sells a fake antidote, gaining fame through exaggerated claims. When he falls ill, the town's governor tests his abilities by pretending to poison him, prompting the cobbler to admit his lack of medical knowledge. The governor then exposes the townspeople's folly in trusting an unqualified man with their health, serving as a cautionary tale for kids about the importance of discernment in real-life stories with moral lessons.

The Honourable Member
In this captivating moral tale, a member of the Legislature, who had vowed not to steal, returns home with a large part of the Capitol dome, inciting his constituents to hold an indignation meeting and consider punishment. Defending himself by claiming he never promised not to lie, he is oddly deemed an "honourable man" and elected to Congress without any pledges, showcasing the humorous yet educational nature of short moral stories.
Other names for this story
Political Plea, Corruption and Influence, The Price of Influence, A Letter of Integrity, From Senate to Seafood, The Citizen's Dilemma, Bribes and Recommendations, The Honest Exchange
Did You Know?
This story humorously critiques political corruption and the often transactional nature of relationships in governance, revealing how even those who claim to be honorable can be drawn into dubious exchanges when ambition is at stake.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.