Ethics by Government

I am amused when I attend a State required ethics course for my occupation.  I don't know how the course is presented to other professions where attendance is mandatory but I know the general outline in the ones that Realtors must attend.  The courses I have attended sometimes start with a story with a moral dilemma and the instructor will ask us what we would do.  Then, all of them make sure to tell us that we are here today to learn a little bit about ethics and how to recognize what they are and how to develop them.  They tell us that each person must develop their own ethics because no one can impose their standards on anyone else.  So, we are there to learn how to identify ethics and moral standards in our businesses (in case we don't have any of our own).  This is something of a feel good regulation.  I am guessing that the requirement was put in place because of some poor ethics or maybe no ethics.  Maybe those people did not know how to identify what their ethics were, but the public can now feel much better because we officially have ethics classes.  Sounds so good.

This is where some of the problems that we have with government making law and regulation starts.  Professional politicians see a winning situation here, an act of caring for the public to show they are really mad about bad business practices, make sure they pass something or at least talk about it, and then let everyone know what was done because of their outrage (and don't forget about asking for a reward for caring, a vote).  They must be politically correct also, can't tell anyone how to live their lives.  So in the end we get either confusion or emptiness.  We can feel good though, because we made all of these professional people attend ethics classes.

There are studies and statistics that say church attendance continues to decline.  I have trouble believing everything presented to me because I realize that the information can be skewed for a specific result.  But let's say that is true.  Is it because we have learned (from example) to be cautious about what we say or do so we don't offend?  Are we putting practices and procedures in place to feel good or so that everyone feels good about themselves and our groups and our communities?  Good possibility.  So, what can be done?  The simple answer is to better instruct young AND old between right and wrong, but it starts at home.  Next to your home should be additional help from your individual church, family and friends.  All of these choices you make influence everything around you and in your daily lives.

Maybe we are frustrated in this part of the world.  We want the state and world to know and practice the simpler truths we find to be self-evident in our corner of the world.  However, we have a duty to remain on guard that our frustration does not set precedent for imposition of empty morality standards.  Political solutions and career politicians will forever be looking for ways to please people for the wrong reasons.  We end up with confusion or emptiness.  Be careful on what is promoted as government cures for all ills (morally or legally).  You might only feel good for a while until the next crisis (or opportunity) arises.