The decision by former S.C. Leg. Elie Mystal to abandon his district while still sworn to represent the people who placed him in office feeds the cynicism and disrespect that permeates the electorate. While others may have picked up the slack for him, Mystal's utter disregard for the laws, and his oath, reinforce the notion that politics is a dirty business and that politicians serve for their own personal gain.

That is far from the truth in many, if not most instances, where hard-working, dedicated and wellintentioned men and women look upon public service as a privilege.

Indeed, the history of our country is built upon those men and women, who answered a call, did what they thought was right, and spent a part of their lives working for the betterment of their country and their fellow Americans. Their work involved many personal sacrifices, and often they made less than they could have made in the private sector. But they recognized the higher call, and found pride in responding to it.

That is still the basis for public service today and Mytal, by his actions, tarnished that image. More than that, he besmirched the name of his predecessor, Maxine Postal, who understood the noble calling of public service.