The Moral Decay Index
A nonpartisan editorial project examining whether America’s public behavior matches the values people say they hold.
Independent commentary. Evidence you can inspect.
We examine public conduct through eight editorial lenses. Numerical scores have been withdrawn because a reproducible calculation record is not available.
Does public behavior still match the values people say they hold?
Truth & records
Every claim leaves a trail. We trace it to the source and show our work.
See our methodology
The public record
Photographs do not settle an argument. They show the setting where the argument happens: the institutions, the money, the crowds and the cameras.
Browse reporting and analysis
Read the newest reporting
Each case file links its sources, separates allegations from findings, and shows our interpretation.
Start with the evidence
Two useful reading habits: identify what a source actually measured, then ask what conclusion the evidence supports. A survey result is not a moral verdict, and one criminal case is not a national trend.
How this project works
What our eight lenses mean, how to read a case file, and why unsupported scores have been withdrawn.
Read the reader’s guideCompare places responsibly
Find original datasets and learn which comparisons are defensible before ranking a state or country.
Use the evidence guideRead the current case files
Follow the sources, distinguish allegations from findings, and examine our interpretation.
Browse reporting and analysisEight lenses for examining public life
These are topics for investigation, not numerical grades. Read the evidence and separate documented facts from editorial judgment.
Political Polarization
Division, dehumanization, and unwillingness to share a civic life.
Trust in Institutions
Confidence in government, media, justice, and public leadership.
Income Inequality
The moral consequences of unequal opportunity and economic power.
Mental Health Crisis
Distress, isolation, and access to appropriate care and support.
Family Stability
The conditions that help families and caregivers remain secure.
Crime & Violence
Violence, safety, accountability, and community well-being.
Substance Abuse
Addiction, preventable harm, treatment, and social response.
Cultural Cohesion
Shared responsibility across differences of race, faith, and politics.
Do your values survive your politics?
The free Moral Consistency Audit helps you examine where party loyalty, group identity, or habit may conflict with your stated principles. Your result is a reflection prompt—not a diagnosis or judgment.
Begin the free auditNo purchase is required. The audit does not measure moral worth, faith, or mental health.
The Moral Consistency Journal
A guided Christian digital journal for people who want to question bias, reflect honestly, and act consistently with their values.
$9 digital bundle
Instant electronic delivery after purchase. No physical product.
About David
David is the creator and editor of The Moral Decay Index. He uses political commentary, moral philosophy, and Christian reflection to challenge tribal thinking and encourage honest self-examination.
Read more about the projectRead, question, and think again
Explore articles that test public claims against evidence and consistent moral standards. Strong disagreement is welcome; dehumanization and dishonesty are not.
Photography: Mike Norris, Božo Gunjajević, Volkan Yılmaz, Katrin Bolovtsova, cottonbro studio, Elmir Jafarov, Sora Shimazaki, Lukas Kosc, Varvara Galvas, Brett Sayles, jane grn and Mathias Reding (Pexels); rob walsh (Unsplash); Matthew Henry (Burst). Used under their free licenses.