Doing the Right Thing and Its Consequences
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| (Illustrative) Lance knows people are going to hate him for their perceived understanding of his religion, his life, his values, his politics, and his beliefs. He knows such people hate others as well. "Better than thou" language. He made oaths and vows a long time ago and knows the difference between right and wrong. He also understands history and the struggles of people. Great societies are built from people who have values and will stand for them regardless of the personal costs. He glances at his persecutors and says "line up". No anger, no real resentment, just new knowledge. He knows the meaning of sacrafice. A notepad and some scribbles are left outside by the door just in case they want to learn something. Lesson one: Be a descent human being. Students become teachers. 👆 Interesting article Taking Time and Doing the Right Thing |
The Breakdown of Accountability
In this story, a large group of individuals engaged in repeated misconduct. This included making threats, placing children at risk, openly joking about wrongdoing, undermining parents, and causing harm to minors, self-enrichment, etc. The group manipulated elderly and vulnerable individuals for financial gain, spread hate-based rumors, encouraged violence and intimidation against victims, retaliated against whistleblowers, and leveraged relationships within law enforcement to initiate false investigations while protecting their own members from accountability.
Over time, corruption became normalized. While this behavior did not reflect the vast majority of public servants—many of whom act with integrity and deserve respect—it did represent a small, interconnected network with a semi-documented history of similar behavior. These patterns were not adequately tracked, nor were objective or independent investigations conducted (Blaming and harming the victims is the best way not to change or get better. There is a reason why closed systems and their supporters do this.). In many cases, it was simply easier—and more socially acceptable—to reward or ignore bad behavior than to confront it.
Philosophical Foundations and Core Values
Philosophers tend to think at a different level. They often delve into the fundamental roots. Certain core values form the backbone of society. While people and cultures evolve, some principles should never be violated. Although those who defend these values may be in the minority, they believe deeply in doing what is right and in honoring their ethical obligations regardless of risk.
It makes no difference whether there are ten, one hundred, or one million individuals attempting to violate human rights, civil rights, religious freedom, political expression, or other forms of social cohesion. The moral response remains the same. History shows that allowing such violations to persist leads to long-term harm that far outweighs the discomfort of standing up in the moment. Yes there are consequences for being a good person. (In this learning example so much aggression of various forms have been pushed on a philosopher with a free pass for all of it that the target has become increasingly knowledgeable of how it functions. That will be used to protect future people and children from such groups. Wisdom Can Come from Experience)
The philosopher is the person encouraging you to reflect and think before coming to a heuristic self-interested, social network sanctioned choice because reason over leverage is important (People who gravitate toward reason versus leverage are different breeds. Reason is a long-term solution that can be hard to implement while leverage is a short-term solution that may have long-term negative implications. Each one can be used at its appropriate time and place but that should be based on insight and a true north compass.)
Why People Take the Risk
Why would anyone take such risks with so few immediate rewards? Because they have studied history and understand society beyond what is conveniently presented in textbooks. While most people are fundamentally good and want to support their communities, those with dark-triad traits often exert disproportionate influence within dysfunctional social networks. When unchecked, these individuals can cause widespread harm (Self-interested individuals will always be present so checks and balances with a mixture of promoting the best and brightest can make a difference. Religion, science, philosophy, history and experience should teach us something about true leadership.).
There are also sociological and economic implications to consider. When victims’ rights are dismissed simply because it is easy or convenient, their concerns go unexamined and unresolved. Corrupt networks are then allowed to operate for years. Even when wrongdoing is exposed, perpetrators are often offered lenient arrangements or “graceful exits” rather than meaningful accountability (It is not about the shallow hal's getting in trouble...as that is the least of concerns. It is an issue much broader than that.). True institutional development requires correction and adaptation to a higher moral conscious. 🤔 Strong institutions must be fair, transparent, and aligned with the core values generations have worked to establish.
Sacrifice, Responsibility, and the Future
Standing for what is right is rarely easy, and the costs often outweigh the immediate benefits. Still, it is a meaningful sacrifice—one made for a fairer society, for the protection of others, and for the preservation of values passed down over generations. These philosophical principles were eventually codified into law because countless individuals sacrificed to make them real. Imagine if our founding fathers and mothers just gave up because it was convenient and expected. 😬
When you stand for those values, you honor centuries of sacrifices and safeguard the future for your children and grandchildren. How we view the world matters. Togetherness, kindness, fairness, freedom to worship, inherrent human value, and justice are not abstract ideals—they are the foundation of stronger institutions and more resilient societies. The choices is yours to make and time answers all questions.....
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