I think the best moral standards are rationally-based, imposed by an individual on himself, and not by some authority. Good morals should consider the welfare and well-being of the individual, his family and circle of friends, and his community - all in balance. I would think that by nature, morals should be something positive and beneficial.

I don't think it's necessarily bad for an external authority (especially parents of children) to impose standards of moral conduct when needed - but to my mind, a truly moral person is one who is self-directed, one who does moral things because they make sense to him.

But of course, we all know people whose moral compass is corrupted for one reason or another.

-Joe-