When I began this blog in 2001, I was appalled by President Bush's headlong rush to an illegal war (we were not in fact under attack). As time wore on and Bush began his assault on the Constitution and any people bold enough to criticize, I believed that "the republic is endangered more by actions of our own government than by those of any terrorist." With the election of a high-minded, compassionate, intelligent man like Barack Obama, my fears have ceased.
"Honor them with peace, not war"
United for Peace
Sunday, July 14, 2002
A tongue-in-cheek article in the NY Times suggests American CEOs are in need of a Personal Ethical Assistant more than a Palm. The PEA would buzz or click, or remind them about possible jail terms when they get off course morally.
I think they should hire people trained and attuned to ethical issues to guide them. Someone like my youngest daughter, for example, who has a very strong sense of ethics (as well as having majored in philosophy), would be an excellent choice. She is the kind of person who says No Thanks when offered free (illegal) cable. (I do not of course, mean to imply my other children are less than ethical, just that this one has more clarity than average on these issues.).
I heard on the radio (NPR of course- commercial radio doesn't address these things, which is part of the problem) that business schools are now considering including morals or ethics as part of their curriculum. I think they should call it professional standards and let the students know they could lose their professional standing if they transgress. They certainly won't abstain from wrongdoing , in today's amoral climate, simply because it's wrong.
So why are the ethics of our nation's business leaders in such a shambles? I myself attribute it to failing of the nation's political leaders. Ever since Nixon we have had a series of unethical presidents who pressed their advantage and cared not a whit about the Public Good. I except JImmy Carter, of course, but look what the Republicans did to him, made him a laughingstock. (Carter is also by far the best ex-president we''ve had in my lifetime.)
We have never been able to count on ethical behavior from anyone bent on making a million bucks -- never. Only tough laws and moral leadership from politicians who care what the public thinks can restrain the large greed it takes to become extremely wealthy. Greed is the number one factor in becoming wealthy -- far more imporatant than brains, hard work, or even luck. The Calvinists had it exactly wrong: wealth is not proof of moral virtue, but rather a stunning indication of its lack. Jesus had it right, though: "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." This applies to heaven on earth. Greed and happiness cannot co-exist.
Perhaps these greedy millionaires are trying to fill up holes at the core of their beings and are unaware that getting and spending is not the way to do it.
If so, they have my sympathy.
Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
Don't PEA on me
A tongue-in-cheek article in the NY Times suggests American CEOs are in need of a Personal Ethical Assistant more than a Palm. The PEA would buzz or click, or remind them about possible jail terms when they get off course morally.
I think they should hire people trained and attuned to ethical issues to guide them. Someone like my youngest daughter, for example, who has a very strong sense of ethics (as well as having majored in philosophy), would be an excellent choice. She is the kind of person who says No Thanks when offered free (illegal) cable. (I do not of course, mean to imply my other children are less than ethical, just that this one has more clarity than average on these issues.).
I heard on the radio (NPR of course- commercial radio doesn't address these things, which is part of the problem) that business schools are now considering including morals or ethics as part of their curriculum. I think they should call it professional standards and let the students know they could lose their professional standing if they transgress. They certainly won't abstain from wrongdoing , in today's amoral climate, simply because it's wrong.
So why are the ethics of our nation's business leaders in such a shambles? I myself attribute it to failing of the nation's political leaders. Ever since Nixon we have had a series of unethical presidents who pressed their advantage and cared not a whit about the Public Good. I except JImmy Carter, of course, but look what the Republicans did to him, made him a laughingstock. (Carter is also by far the best ex-president we''ve had in my lifetime.)
We have never been able to count on ethical behavior from anyone bent on making a million bucks -- never. Only tough laws and moral leadership from politicians who care what the public thinks can restrain the large greed it takes to become extremely wealthy. Greed is the number one factor in becoming wealthy -- far more imporatant than brains, hard work, or even luck. The Calvinists had it exactly wrong: wealth is not proof of moral virtue, but rather a stunning indication of its lack. Jesus had it right, though: "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." This applies to heaven on earth. Greed and happiness cannot co-exist.
Perhaps these greedy millionaires are trying to fill up holes at the core of their beings and are unaware that getting and spending is not the way to do it.
If so, they have my sympathy.
Palema
7:27 AM
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Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
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