Nobody’s Perfect, but “Integrity” Still Matters 250 Years Later!

As we prepare to celebrate the 250-year anniversary the Great U.S. Experiment began, I strongly believe character, decency, and honor still matter at societal and individual accountability levels. Using human history as a guide, there’s no example shortage of rising and falling empires; and to borrow a phrase from ESPN’s Chris Berman, it appears that American citizens keep validating our imperfection by “rumbling, bumbling, and stumbling” collectively towards a more perfect union. Nevertheless, and despite the abundance of agonizing episodes experienced throughout our country’s less than perfect history, we apparently keep choosing to “learn things the hard way” because of our deep-seeded human desire to belong to something, and our willingness to embrace an ample supply of fear or courage to make it happen!

The older I become, the more I admire the courage it took President Franklin Roosevelt to famously state: "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." He understood that fear is a powerful motivator; and when you combine it with misinformation and uncertainty, the human desire to belong and “be right” will create environments that make it acceptable to ignore stated values and long-held beliefs, and be willfully uninformed in order to feel connected to the desired group.

There was a time in this country where the “golden rule” almost always took precedent over selfish behaviors. Today, a large swath of the country has openly embraced the “me first before anyone else” agenda.  Rest assured, the ebb and flow of history will eventually produce the evidence (and necessary courage) needed to course correct once again, because those two fundamental attributes (fear and courage) represent the “glue” that keeps America moving forward notwithstanding our numerous self-inflicted wounds. Eventually, America will remember the written word, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Like America, InTouch Credit Union continues to evolve. We are not perfect, but WE continuously strive to always put your collective interests before our own. As technology expands, adapts, and changes, we recognize we must courageously do the same while protecting your personal information and financial interests. We’re actively building a Credit Union where you can access what you need, when you need it, 24/7/365; and we’re in the process of adding a large number of new products and services to help you manage your financial life in a way that better supports the rest of it.  You owe it to yourself to check us out again. We think you’ll be surprised at what you find (especially over the coming year).

Kent Lugrand
President/CEO