The arc of the moral universe

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by galanga, Mar 13, 2004.

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  1. galanga

    galanga New Member

    Today is the 40th anniversary of the death of Kitty Genovese, a New Yorker who was attacked by the knife-wielding Winston Moseley. The attack was overheard (or witnessed) by at least 38 people, none of whom called the police until nearly an hour had passed.

    I would say that we have an obligation to consider whether or not to intervene when we see our fellows imperiled. It is not always appropriate to act: it may be too costly, or too dangerous. But we ought to decide, rather than ignore the matter.

    Degreeinfo provides a means for some to pursue the Good Work of protecting others. It is a small thing in a world filled with famine, plague, and civil war, but it is an endeavor in which it is possible to see the positive effects of what we do, and to make steady progress.

    We do make progress. The National Board of Education seems to have stopped selling accreditation. The State-of-Washington-based Saint Regis posts doctored photos of Africans to its faculty web page to give the appearace of having something to do with Liberia, certainly in response to increasing pressure on its financial operations. Senator Susan Collins' efforts will increase the chances of sensible legislation arising to address the problem of credential fraud.

    Sometimes there are setbacks: the sad business at the Liberian Embassy is an example, but (quoting Martin Luther King, who in turn was quoting Theodore Parker), "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."

    G
     
  2. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    Hi Galanga: Thanks for the eloquent post, and for your correction of my folk-memory version of the King quote elsewhere.
     

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