That is very true, and framework of morals will work, religion simply provides a strong framework that allows the morality to be dictated, with no questions. That is why a lot of religions schism and break up, as people question the flawed logic.

The key is principles and one's willingness to live by them. Too many people just look at the "god" issue in religion and ignore that every system of thought is based on principles and a person's willingness to live by those principles - believing that they are correct. It starts with identifying correct principles.

One approach for a substitute of religion-based morality might be to guide people to secular moral publications. Adam Smith's "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" is one such dissertation. Even though Smith was the son of a minister, he felt compelled to outline a rational basis for ethical behavior other than "God said you have to do this." Although Smith's sense of what we would call "social justice" grates on our Objectivist senses, it shows an impressive understanding of human interaction and motivation. On reading the writings of Paine, Smith, Locke, and Montesquieu I'm humbled and impressed with the philosophical leap that took place in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

I am not sure religion is so critical, it is the respect that it engenders that is the strength. A non religious person who respects the individual, and individual freedom, is a strong as a religious one. I have met many "Christians" who believe the structure is right, until it does not match their view, then it needs to be changed. Abortion is one of those manipulated issues.

The result of 40-50 years of social engineering, led by the education establishments obvious superiority to everyone else, leading to politicians who are cast from the same mold.

Good summation. It is apparently the intended mission of some, or a outcome of complete self serving abuse, not sure which.

As John Adams said: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
Some folks may argue that religion is no longer relevant. I would disagree since there are few other public institutions that teach morality, but for the sake of argument, let's just restrict Mr. Adams' statement to morality. So, if someone:
1.Was of a more liberal persuasion,
2. Had ABSOLUTELY no respect for the constitution, or rule of law,
3. Wanted to destroy the Republic as we know it in order to institute a socialistic form (probably a plutocracy where only their buddies enjoy the fruits of the workers)
What better way than to destroy the most basic foundation of our form of government than to destroy the morality which is required for a self governing people. If we examine Mr. Obama's actions, they seem to indicate that this is his end goal.

Complete, out of control corruption is now the standard for our Federal government, resulting from Americans' laxity in their duty to watch the government. We've become used to venal behavior as a kind of entertainment, with wayward politicians ranking right up there with Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian as untalented, amoral "celebrities."

Celebrity has become a replacement for morality. Part of the problem lies with "morality" becoming equated with organized religion, which isn't as popular with much of the people as it once was.

Even the numbers indicating substantial church attendance are deceptive, as more than a few ostensibly Christian institutions have engaged in relativistic morality to the point some are referred to as "The Church of Whatever." Exaggerated public displays of righteousness are equated with hypocritical televangelists for many people, and I think it's part of what hurt Ted Cruz's campaign.

Unless some method can be found to recover a foundation for moral behavior in our society, we're going to see the collapse of the institutions that made this country unique in the world. Current socialist passions are an obvious misguided desire for a moral government that eliminates the sources of corruption. The moral vacuum needs filling.

Dirty tricks start at the attitude from the top and filter down into the acts of underlings no matter how high their rank. Everyone knows that the person at the top will just smile at the IRS antics. That is the attitude that encourages mischief. But it is also the same attitude that protects the person at the top. It is why the IRS is a hatchet and its director a hatchet man.

The IRS is a gigantic engine of theft, stealing billions upon billions from the American people yearly. Until and unless this simple fact is understood by a significant number of voters there will be no meaningful "reform." This scandal is a minor diversion. Some heads may roll and the Republicans will gain a little mileage, but no real change will take place. Nothing to see here.

Watching Watter's World and other man on the street type video sidewalk interviews are mind blowing revelations about how clueless far too many voting age Americans are about history, the Constitution, government, current events and just about everything save for celebrities and whatever passes for the hit parade these days..
I've actually watched more than one person admit that they did not know who the first American president was!
Collapse due to willfully ignorant neglect DOES appear inevitable.

I'll tell you why. People expect the IRS to steal from the "enemies of the people." As far as they're concerned, the IRS plunders "the rich" so they don't have to. Little do they know that connections still spare people, even some of the wealthiest.

It is business as usual for the statist Distractions Bureau. Those who see past the surface are disgusted. Unfortunately, it is a minority, albeit a growing minority.

Crcuses implys that there is some entertainment value, even if the lions are eating the children. This is just ongoing slow motion torture, where they almost waive the fact they committed crimes we would go to jail for, and they just get yelled at for...then retired with full pension.

Just more circuses to hand slap a couple of the guilty criminals.
The former director criminally broke the law.
The current director criminally broke the law.
The people who "just obeyed orders" from these criminals are also guilty.People who these criminals worked for are even more guilty regardless of their insulation and plausible deniability. Put them all in jail. throw away the key, fire all the rest of the "service" employees, and shut the unconstitutional, looting protection racket down.
The result will be a couple trillion less stolen from the people and $10 trillion more savings (previously wasted) on unnecessary paperwork by innocent, productive people.
Want a real economic recovery?
Here is the solution.

I am amazed at how most people never even read anything like this and still think that Obama and gang are great.The level of outright, in your face, criminal activity in the last 8 years is amazing as well. They do not realize that their lack of adherence to the law translates downward to the people, and so they tell the law to F off and do what they want. Or vote to make it legal. Collapse is inevitable at this point.

Nickursis the article reads like a horror story. "Congress needs to get ADVICE" about impeaching a agency head that failed to comply to a suppena from congress, destroys evidence of wrong doing ,plus obstructing justice. WTF, then reading further, guess what administration officials also interfering with investigation. Disreputable humans are the monsters and there is an abundance of con men ists involved.