In It To Win: The Jack Abramoff Story https://youtu.be/NmD8xLi4JvU
- What are the key points that this documentary raises?
- What did Abramoff do that was unethical, even if legal? Why were these actions unethical?
- The documentary focuses on Abramoff's role as a lobbyist within a system that is, he argues, more corrupt than ever. To what degree do individuals have a responsibility to act ethically within a morally corrupt system?
- The documentary raises the point that white-collar crime is generally considered far less problematic than hard crime. Do you agree? Why or why not? What are the long-term consequences of white-collar crimes for individuals, families, society?
- Do you agree with the UT officials who decided to bring Abramoff to campus in order to speak to students and create this film? What ethical issues were involved in their decision-making process?
- Compare Abramoff's situation with the Lance Armstrong scandal. What similarities can you identify? What differences? What character traits do you think led each man to act illegally and unethically? Are their actions representative of `everything wrong' (i.e. hunger for power, money, fame) with American society?
- Do you think Abramoff's success as a lobbyist supports the idea that politicians are corrupt or easily corruptible? Should we place blame on Abramoff and the politicians or the system in which they operate? If the system is fundamentally flawed, is it fair for individual lobbyists or politicians to pay the price?
- In the film, Abramoff notes that he thought he was the 'moral lobbyist'? Why does he think so and do you agree with him?
- Abramoff still owes the government $44 million in restitution. Some argue that he is only speaking out against corruption to get past this debt and regain his prior fame and fortune. Others believe in restitution. Some argue that he is only speaking out against corruption to get past this debt and regain his prior fame and fortune. Others believe his claim that he is in a unique position to expose the corruption of the system. Do you believe Abramoff genuinely regrets his prior actions and is now working hard at improving how our government operates? Or do you think he is just `out for himself'? Does it matter whether he's sincere if his actions lead to important reforms?
- Do you think you could survive in today's world if you promised yourself that you would always act honorably? Do you think such a life is possible?