Ethics Clash

Congratulations to Allan Markin for proposing an ethics centre for Calgary.

The Calgary Herald noted his proposal on October 2, 2009:

Flames co-owner plans ethics centre for Calgary

by Mario Toneguzzi. http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Flames+owner+plans+ethics+centre+Calgary/2058076/story.html

Nicholas Kristof posted an op-ed piece in the New York Times today that illustrates the importance of Mr. Markin's proposed development.

Dad’s Life or Yours? You Choose

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/opinion/04kristof.html

The insurance industry feels it has an obligation to protect each company's viability, thereby protecting employees, owners and the communities that rely on those jobs and the tax base of their businesses. They then feel their ethic binds them to protect that viability by avoiding taking on high risk policies, ones that have a markedly higher chance of triggering a claim than other policies.

The family Mr. Kristof talks about is trying to work together to save the life of the father. The family's ethic is preservation of the species, the family and the people they love.

As a society, the people of the United States have to decide which ethic must take precedence.

I happen to agree with Mr. Kristof. However, in a democracy, the ethic is that the electorate must decide which ethic takes precedence. Mr. Kristof is only one vote. I don't come up to that bar as I am not a citizen of that great country.

The citizens of the United States have hard work ahead of them. Ethics centres can't but help them in that effort.

An ethics centre! What an opportunity to develop critical thinking, wisdom and judgment!

Mike