This was one of the questions that was on a my ethics final this past week. At the time I really didn't think much of it as it was just one of many I had last week during my finals. My answer dealt with the business aspect of the question as it was a business ethics class. My response dealt with Sarbanes Oxley act and how it applied to businesses(which I won't go into here) and that no matter what laws are passed, it will not stop unethical behavior.
However this morning I had an interesting discussion with my mother-in-law (retired nurse) as I dropped off Christmas gifts for my niece and nephews. She had the news on and they were talking about the school shooting and gun control. She knows I am a gun Enthusiast/2A supporter and asked me how I couldn't now support stricter gun laws/restrictions. I told her that the gun laws aren't the problem as we have plenty of laws. Every time I buy a gun I am thoroughly checked prior to my purchase being approved. She looked confused, so I elaborated on the subject. I asked her if murder was against the law and she said yes. I responded that even though we have laws against it, it still happens. The same is true with illegal drugs, abuse, robbery etc... That we can pass all the laws we want, but that won't change the fact that we can not legislate ethical behavior.
People have an innate sense of what is right and what is wrong, they alone make the decision to do what is right or what is wrong. Regardless of any laws that forbid it. That instead of fixating on making it harder for law abiding citizens (who are not the problem in first place) through new laws. Instead why don't we look into the real problem which to me seems to be untreated mentally ill individuals who are not receiving the care they need.
When I was growing up people who were mentally ill were placed in homes/treatment centers/hospitals (they go by many names) and not left to their own devices. With changes/budget cuts alot of these individuals were now placed back into society with little or no supervision. Now I'm not saying that locking them all is the best way to go, nor the most humane. But there has to be a middle ground that will both allow those with mental health issues to receive the care they need without putting them out on their own to fend for themselves and deal with their demons by themselves.
That's my 2 cents worth and for what its worth my mother-in-law seemed to agree with me.
However this morning I had an interesting discussion with my mother-in-law (retired nurse) as I dropped off Christmas gifts for my niece and nephews. She had the news on and they were talking about the school shooting and gun control. She knows I am a gun Enthusiast/2A supporter and asked me how I couldn't now support stricter gun laws/restrictions. I told her that the gun laws aren't the problem as we have plenty of laws. Every time I buy a gun I am thoroughly checked prior to my purchase being approved. She looked confused, so I elaborated on the subject. I asked her if murder was against the law and she said yes. I responded that even though we have laws against it, it still happens. The same is true with illegal drugs, abuse, robbery etc... That we can pass all the laws we want, but that won't change the fact that we can not legislate ethical behavior.
People have an innate sense of what is right and what is wrong, they alone make the decision to do what is right or what is wrong. Regardless of any laws that forbid it. That instead of fixating on making it harder for law abiding citizens (who are not the problem in first place) through new laws. Instead why don't we look into the real problem which to me seems to be untreated mentally ill individuals who are not receiving the care they need.
When I was growing up people who were mentally ill were placed in homes/treatment centers/hospitals (they go by many names) and not left to their own devices. With changes/budget cuts alot of these individuals were now placed back into society with little or no supervision. Now I'm not saying that locking them all is the best way to go, nor the most humane. But there has to be a middle ground that will both allow those with mental health issues to receive the care they need without putting them out on their own to fend for themselves and deal with their demons by themselves.
That's my 2 cents worth and for what its worth my mother-in-law seemed to agree with me.
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