Ethical Scrapbook: Part II
Anthony D Thomas
2016/01/18
Kristopher Crowley
CJS/211

Upon completion of the initial scrapbook assignment, My eyes were wide open about Ethics in our society, and how each and every person contributes to the solution; as well as problem. The different topics that the assignment consisted of; touched on nearly every aspect of society that need be discussed. Ranging on subjects from being a “Good Samaritan” to “Professionals that commit criminal offenses knowingly”. The only question after completion of this assignment was, “why weren’t there any further topics to research and search for?” Well not really, but it was an interesting assignment to complete none the less. Each topic discussed consisted of 3 examples that took me different places on the web that I never even considered looking at.
The first topic that initiated the research, was that of the “Good Samaritan”. The first example slide presented, involved a New York Police officer giving a homeless man a new pair of boots and socks during a winter period. During these times whereas most of America sees Officers as self-interest low lives, an act as such, surely boosted confidence somewhat in the big Apple. I could definitely see myself aiding in a situation as such. Especially, the way I see that it gets freezing cold around the later parts of the year. Also too; simply knowing that there’s a person in need helps out with that decision, easily.
The next example used within the PowerPoint presentation was that of a paramedic being punished for distributing a department item to a person in need. I’m not sure if the city of Detroit is or was hurting for funds or had issues in the past with improper use of funds, however, if the city of Detroit ever had complaints against it for not helping out its citizens, then I can see this example as being one of them. If a male/female is half naked in the streets anywhere, I feel as though it should be the cities duty to ensure that they have something to shelter them at least until they can be treated or directed to a stable environment such as with family or a facility. If I were in this situation, I definitely would find a means to help out a person in that same situation. Even if it meant me, having to purchase a blanket until I can pass for an approval in my department to begin assisting, citizens with state money. I don’t feel that, helping others should be a big debate amongst officials, but rather a goal amongst mankind.
The third and final example of a good Samaritan act from my presentation, involved a man that donated money to someone he assumed was homeless but discovered that he actually was contributing to a cause just as noble as his, and in the process, ends up having his rent payed for a month, as a Blessing. The fascinating thing about this story is that He never knew that what he did was helped out with no intentions of receiving anything in return. In the end however, He winds up getting something that he never expected. Initially, who knows if he was able to afford giving what he had to begin with, but in the end, I know for certain that it was well worth it. In all honesty, I can’t say that I would have given the man money, but I know for certain if the man never appeared to be strung out or faking his situation, then I would have given anything from food to clothing if I had the resources near me, or close by i.e. Wal-Mart etc.
The Next topic category that I discussed within my PowerPoint presentation, was that of Vigilantism. Just as the first topic, I used 3 examples to prevail my ideas on the subject matter. My first example of vigilantism, involved 2 males that burned down a child molesters Home and end up killing his wife in the process. In the news report, they pointed out that the two men, were upset that a molester was living within their community, but I feel as though they could have been more careful with their way of handling their pyro scheme. Instead of getting their prime target, they wind up killing his innocent wife. I feel as though they made a grown man’s decision, however, they didn’t take into consideration who could be harmed in the midst of their plan. If it were up to me, I would not have done anything to his Home, but would have sought to catch him alone or with him driving by himself somewhere and beat him up, if I decided to take that route. In my right state of mind, I wouldn’t waste my time chasing a child pervert, instead I would make sure the children in the neighborhood stay away from him, especially mine.
My next example used in the PowerPoint presentation involved a neighborhood beat down of a convicted rapist. The lady that was raped apparently notices her rapist free in the streets and yells rape while in a crowd. The crowd beats down the male and end up killing him inevitably. She ends up being sentenced to 6 years behind bars, I this scenario, I don’t blame her for wanting revenge on her rapist. The judge apparently did not sentence him long enough and could care less about what could happen to her or any other females in their community. She did what she assumed was right and best for her safety. If in her shoes or sandals, I could see myself doing something similar if, I don’t feel as though the government/state won’t protect me.
The next case of Vigilantism, occurred in my hometown of Houston, TX. A case where a man is carjacked at a Valero gas station and an innocent bystander shoots at the car thieves, but ends up shooting the victim by accident. Well, my first impression of this story was to laugh. However, in a more positive outlook, at least he wasn’t such a bad shot, that he hit a gas pump and blew the entire block off. But still the fact remains that he shot someone on accident, and fled the scene. I would have at least waited for police to come so that I could explain to the police what I saw and explain to them that it was an accident that I shot the man. The victim survived the shooting but I can imagine what his mindset was like after that event.
Following that example, I was introduced into the world of civil disobedience. The first example that I used was the attempt to unionize fast food restaurants for higher wages and much more stable positions. I see that the way the occupy events took place, they mean business. I just feel as though, if they raise the pay and minimum wage for that job occupation, prices that were once low for good and items would now be risen, because the poor would then be able to afford what everyone else, i.e. upper class and middle class citizens can afford. If something more critical such as welders or teachers’ pay was being effected, then I would join the efforts. This fight really wasn’t worth much in my eyes.
The next example used on this topic was that in the amazing and honorable case of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi’s’ cause was very justifiable and proves that when a man can join his country together, things will work out for the better. In the case of the salt tax, to prevent the undoubtedly high tax on local salt, I would ban foreign salt or worse yet make it unbearably high so as to make local goods more appealing and promote job growth within our nation. Gandhi happens to be the inspiration behind other movements’ i.e. Civil Right movement, so he’s all good in my eyes.
The last case of the topic is, the hunger strike that took place in Sacramento, CA. Now, fasting for religious purposes is fine and beneficial in my eyes. However, for this prison fast, I would never take something this far. I understand that confinement makes some people do outrageous things, but it’s still no legit excuse in my eyes, to get attention.
The final topic that I brought to the attention of my instructor and classmates, is that of the professional criminal scene. The first example case had to do with a Nazis surgeon that performed surgeries without anesthetics. He really did a horrible thing, by testing out procedures and discarding the bodies as if they were garbage. I wouldn’t even consider being in this mans shoes.
The next example in the final topic, comes about an article that says that a stuartess, was stealing credit card information from passengers as they fly to their destinations. In one mindset, it all sounds appealing and fun. However at second glance, the amount of time that I would imagine I serve if things were to go wrong. In my right state of mind, this is a terrible idea to pursue, because of the outcome that it may yield.
The final example in my scrapbook assignment, was with a jewelry heist, that a young man would play on older gullible woman to dupe them out of their possessions. I was raised to respect my elders and definitely not take advantage of the faint at heart or those that aren’t able to defend themselves. If I’m going to dupe people out of their possessions, I would feel better if it were someone more abled that can still work to regain the deprived possessions, instead of being forced to return back into the work-force, due to unfairness.
In all of my findings and beautiful insight obtained, I would be pleased to see a “Good Samaritan” policy incorporated in Jurisdictions across the nation and globe if possible. I’ve seen cases in Harris County where someone actually gets accused of aiding but then it turns out he gets sued because he accidently caused more damage than anything. That deters personnel from wanting to have to do with any cases involving a victim. All in all, the Good Samaritan ordeal is definitely good for social business. In relation to this affair, being vigilant is a good thing especially when the law fails you. After all, the U.S was founded on the basis of this concept. I personally see myself disobeying the law if it’s something that I truly believe in whole-heartedly. It’s what gives you a voice and right as a human being, knowing that your voice is heard. Speaking of voices being heard, that leads me into the next topic of Civil Disobedience. At first glance, I feel as though it was a righteous and civil thing to do whenever, things aren’t particularly going your way, so to speak, but upon closer review and consideration, I don’t see how things are changed in that manner. In Civil Disobedience, things are “compromised” rather than “changed”. Usually leaders cop a plea bargain so to speak, instead of actually changing what’s wrong with something. Also relating to the Disobedience of someone or thing, comes the ethical behavior of societies and associations. One particular example of this may become apparent when a league and/or profession is going thru scrutiny and needs some alibi to defend itself. That can lead to unethical behavior and also animosity amongst members within the profession, can and will create unnecessary heat within it. That last statement being said, Society as a whole, i.e. Americans are persuaded to be unethical from media sources and peer pressure from when we are toddlers and beyond. It’s just something that we’ve grown to become accustomed to and deal with.
Just like the objective of this weeks assignments and lesson scope, the ethics and future of our Justice system looks bright technologically, but also from a criminal mind set, it looks even better. Seeing as how everything is turning electronically, and we aren’t taking care of things manually and more securely. My number one recommendation for the force, and Justice System is to increase the pay of individuals. That alone would ensure that no briberies are taken and that no one is considering taking kick-backs instead of doing what’s ethically right for society.

References

Thomas, Anthony (2016), Ethical Scrapbook, pt.1