Legislating morality and ethics

I was just wondering to myself, in the light of recent news items...

Do we try to legislate morality and ethics because no-one is willing to live out a example to follow?

It seems to me that the only alternative then becomes trying to enforce a lifestyle through rewards and punishments because no-one is saying, "Here's a better way to live, follow me."

Although Jesus did.

Have a read of this.