Path: utzoo!yunexus!landolt
From: landolt@yunexus.UUCP (Paul Landolt)
Newsgroups: ont.general
Subject: Re: Lawbreakers (was Radar Detectors (was Highway Driving Rules))
Message-ID: <1942@yunexus.UUCP>
Date: 16 May 89 21:35:55 GMT
Article-I.D.: yunexus.1942
References: <9584@watcgl.waterloo.edu> <3217@looking.UUCP> <3225@looking.UUCP> <264@sickkids.UUCP>
Reply-To: landolt@yunexus.UUCP (Paul Landolt)
Distribution: ont
Organization: York U. Computing Services
Lines: 36

In article <264@sickkids.UUCP> mark@sickkids.UUCP (Mark Bartelt) writes:
> Consider these three statements:
>
>   (1)  I frequently drive 10 or 20 mph over the speed limit, for the
>        simple reason that it gets me where I'm going more quickly.
>
>   (2)  I often cheat on my income taxes, for the simple reason that
>        it leaves me with more money to spend.
>
>   (3)  I like to shoplift, for the simple reason that it permits me
>        to acquire more possessions at a lower cost.
>
>I suspect that many people would find nothing remarkable about #1, whereas
>most people would find #2 ethically questionable, at the very least, and
>would be rather shocked by #3.  But what's the difference, really?
>
The difference is, in examples (2) and (3), by committing these offenses,
you are deliberately preventing someone else from enjoying the benefits
that could be made available to them had you NOT committed the offenses.

	In example (1), If "I" chose to exceed the posted limit, AND 
'slower' drivers stayed in the right-hand lane (where they BELONG), I would 
not be preventing them from proceeding at their own pace.  It is easy
for people who prefer different rates of speed to get along provided they
know their place.  This sounds callous, elitist, etc(ist!), however, it's
true.  I'm not shouting GET OUT OF MY WAY, I'm just saying that my
speeding does not (or, should not) detract from your choice not to, and
likewise consideration should be given.

	...Not even considering the fact that any/all of these three
offenses could be committed for completely different reasons.
-- 
Really:   J. Paul Landolt        | Some of us are born unto greatness,
INTERNET: LANDOLT@Nexus.YorkU.CA | Others see no problem with swiping it!

"The opinions expressed are mine. Don't blame the boss. She only hired me"