Thinking about values and accountability we can find ways to enhance and support with thoughtful diligence our most important values we all share. While the vast majority of people do the right thing we can learn to be more thoughtful when they don't. I present two examples for learning of which one is used in a long running thought experiment (These are theoretical discussions of possibilities only.).
Example 1:
A teacher reported physical abuse of kids at a detention center. The teacher was eventually dismissed. Allegedly, parents were afraid to report, other guards were afraid to report, and there were numerous other complaints. While eventually there was greater scrutiny over the alleged misconduct it went on for years and it was against children with some people's knowledge. Initial internal investigators found the claims were "unsubstantiated". Let us further the example and say more kids were harmed. These kids who may now grow up to cause more problems instead of being helped. The sins of our past continue to haunt us over and over for decades because we are not wise enough to see the error of our ways.
Example 2:
A group of corrupted officials went out of their way to try and remove/pressure people they did not like from "their" community. Hate rumors, putting kids at risk, taking advantage of the elderly, misusing official positions to financially reward friends, mistreating veterans, and a long-steming history of negligence for the misbehaviors of the past and misbehaviors that occurred after whistleblowers came forward. Victims had no recourse that didn't include additional aggression, targeting and misuse of authority to advance the network and in group's goals.
What happens if someday the unsubstantiated claims were substantiated? Would the failure to objectively investigate, failure to protect victims and failure to correct indicate that something is wrong? How does declining trust play into this?
Standing up for certain values has little or no support in some circles and that is why such behaviors continue on for a long time creating victim after victim. However, there is hope as people begin to create awareness of some of the underlining problems and some of the potential solutions. Supporting and encouraging good officials to move up in authority and appropriate checks and balances can help. Belief and diligence of our central values is important for our future as a people. Those who support those values may not always be appreciated but they have long term value to society. Society being the ultimate stakeholders.
*This is a theoretical thought experiment discussion so take with a grain of salt and feel to have an alternative opinion. This is for discussion only.
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