Ethical Politics

Review the 1964 political thriller Seven Days in May movie The president of the United States faces a wave of public dissatisfaction with his decision to sign a treaty with the Soviet Union. an agreement that will supposedly result in both nations simultaneously destroying their nuclear weapons under mutual international inspection. This is extremely unpopular with both the President's opposition and the military who believe the Soviets cannot be trusted. A Pentagon insider, Marine Corps Colonel Martin "Jiggs" Casey becomes aware of a conspiracy among the Joint Chiefs of Staff led by his own superior officer Air Force General James Mattoon Scott. He discovers that Scott and some members of JCS along with allies in the US. Congress are plotting to stage a coup d'etat to remove the president and his cabinet in seven days. Casey is appalled by the unconstitutional cabal even though he is personally opposed to the president's position. He therefore alerts the president and his inner circle who try to strategize a response. As the countdown begins. both sides maneuver behind the scenes. The president sends Casey to New York City to visit the genera l's former mistress, the vulnerable Ellie Holbrook to ferret out secrets that can be used against Scott. Issues: Loyalty to superior officer? Using Ellie's personal life for political gain? Respond to the following Are politics and ethics capable of coexisting? What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case?