89. Integrity does not stop when you stop
Integrity applies in office and continues to apply after leaving office. This requires that SPs (1) depart with integrity, (2) are consistent in the ideals and values they aspire to in and after office, (3) do not abuse their position in and after office, (4) form an integrated narrative of what they have done and will go on to do, (5) deal respectfully with their successor, and (6) comply with those rules which apply after holding office.
How people leave office is often an indication of their integrity. For example it is hardly a sign of integrity when someone throws mud at the last minute, gives a final kick, or leaves things in a mess. The farewell speech can speak volumes in this respect. Do you praise yourself highly and settle old scores, or do you show gratitude to everyone who you have had the pleasure of working with, speak of the privilege of having been permitted to hold office, and leave listeners with a message full of ideals and values? When stepping down as mayor of New York, Mike Bloomberg said, “Every day over the past 12 years, I’ve awakened thinking about how to make our city stronger and safer, healthier and greener, freer and fairer, more just and compassionate, more innovative and for ward-looking, with more opportunity for all. On Wednesday morning, I will wake up and smile, knowing that we did everything we could to achieve those goals. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you – and to make a difference in the future of this great city we all love so much.”504 Or as Eisenhower said to the people in his farewell speech as US president, “So – in this my last good night to you as your President – I thank you for the many opportunities you have given me for public service in war and peace. I trust that in that service you find some things worthy; as for the rest of it, I know you will find ways to improve performance in the future.”505
At the same time the farewell speech should show integrity with who you were and what you have done in office. It is hypocritical for SPs to suddenly present themselves very differently than before. Even with the best of intentions, it is too late to set issues straight, make up for wrongdoing, and realize unfulfilled promises in a farewell speech. If you really found an issue important, you would not leave it until the last minute. It is easy, and therefore less credible, to say positive things in a farewell speech, because you can no longer be held to what you have said. A similar lack of integrity can exist among those to whom the departing official speaks. For example, one minister spo