Laws and Ethics…. Who’s Kidding Who?
Years ago I read an article by a renowned psychologist wherein he wrote his studies found one percent of all human beings would never lie, cheat or steal. One percent would always lie, cheat or steal and given the right set of circumstances, the rest of us would likely lie, cheat and/or steal.
I mention this to highlight the fact that, if we can buyoff on this one principle – sobering though it may be – we have then, a benchmark from which to begin to at least try to understand the national data entry systems denigration of ethics that lead to outcomes like Enron and WorldCom.
Most believe morality walks hand-in-hand with unquestioned ethics. A quick look-up in a dictionary for Morality reveals words like, ethical, good, right, honest, decent, proper, honorable, just, principled and so on. All good words, no doubt. Words too that describe what most of us – including Enron Exec’s - see in ourselves, Morally Upstanding.
Nevertheless, there is no shortage of those who climb high upon their perch in an attempt to [dare I say] distance themselves from the great unwashed by proclaiming their undaunted commitment to honesty and ethics all the while engaging in activities to the contrary. Foyer walls of most companies utterly ooze words of benevolence and righteousness – there only for others to see, but in practice, never to be followed.
To be fair, the great unwashed are not sacrosanct from unethical behaviors or from a reluctance to take ownership for actions deemed untoward. Even if it’s something as simple as misusing the Internet or pinching office supplies from the company stockroom.
The fact is, the Enrons and Worldcoms have not cornered the market on unethical behavior. Like it or not, moral degradation is systemic in today’s society.
In an attempt to enlighten us on the realities of true ethical behavior, USA Supreme Court Justice Potter said, [Ethics] “…is knowing the difference between what you have a legal right to do, and, what is the right thing to do”.
Omniscient words to say the least! Words that in theory make a whole lot of sense. In practice, however, one may point out to his Honor, when he is seated on the Supreme Court bench and floral funeral cars for sale asked to adjudicate anything, his moral and ethical position, is and will always be, compromised by one factor – in the end, what is LEGAL… what is the LAW?
Climb any pedestal he wants, in practice, his dedication to ethics is only words, like so many words used to make up so many smarmy Corporate Mission Statements that run juxtaposed to routine.
The Judge in this case, should not be criticized for knowing the fundamentals of true morality / ethics or for advocating the benefits therein. Neither should he be allowed to stand apart from anyone when clearly, in reality, he too is handcuffed 2007 W2c & W3C Forms by
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