Answer:

Introduction:

Public servants are individuals who work for the government in various capacities to provide essential services to the public. These services can range from law enforcement and healthcare to education and infrastructure development. The role of public servants is crucial in ensuring that the needs of the public are met effectively and efficiently.

Body:

Two important virtues that public servants must possess are trustworthiness and fortitude.

• Trustworthiness is the foundation of any relationship, and it is especially important for public servants, who hold positions of authority and responsibility. Public servants who are trustworthy are honest, reliable, and dependable. They are transparent in their actions and decisions and prioritize the public good over personal gain. Trustworthy public servants are essential for maintaining public trust in government institutions and ensuring the integrity of the democratic process.
• Fortitude is another important virtue for public servants to possess. Fortitude means having the courage to do what is right, even in the face of adversity. Public servants who possess fortitude are willing to take difficult or unpopular actions in the interest of the public good.
• They stand up to pressure from powerful interest groups and are not swayed by personal gain or the fear of retaliation. Fortitude is essential for ensuring that public servants are able to uphold their duty to serve the public good, even in challenging circumstances.

Here are some examples of how trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service:

• Trustworthiness: Public servants who are trustworthy are transparent in their actions and decisions. They avoid conflicts of interest and prioritize the public good over personal gain.
• Example: a government official who discloses conflicts of interest and avoids situations where they might benefit personally demonstrates trustworthiness. Similarly, a police officer who reports misconduct by a fellow officer shows that they prioritize their duty to uphold the law over loyalty to their colleagues.
• Fortitude: Public servants who possess fortitude are willing to take difficult or unpopular actions in the interest of the public good. They are not swayed by pressure from powerful interest groups or fear of retaliation.
• Example: a mayor who stands up to pressure from powerful interest groups to veto a harmful bill that would negatively impact the community shows fortitude. Similarly, a civil servant who speaks up against a corrupt superior or institution displays courage and fortitude in upholding their duty to serve the public.

Conclusion:

These virtues are critical for ensuring that public servants uphold their duty to serve the public good and maintain the trust of the public they serve.