We Can't Enforce Immoral Behaviour
Here is today's news. People who received these masks are selling them on social media for a profit. Now, there is nothing illegal about this. But, gosh, what a dick wad response. Seriously, how can people be this immoral?
Well, this type of behaviour has been the problem throughout Public Health's efforts to control the pandemic. People find ways to be immoral. We are mandated to wear masks indoors while shopping. People don't want to wear masks so they find places to shop that won't enforce the no mask policy. People are supposed to be wearing masks in casinos unless they are actively eating or drinking. Some people don't want to be wearing masks in casinos so they buy a bag of popcorn and eat one piece every time someone reminds them to put their mask on. They eventually exhaust whoever is reminding them to put their masks on. People are not supposed to have an indoor gathering exceeding 10 people. What do some people do? They have a big blow out party the day before the restrictions take place. Legal, yes, but moral?
A couple of weeks ago, before they were giving out masks, I went to the liquor store and I overheard a conversation between a manager and a patron. The manager was telling the patron that he knew about the scam he was attempting and it wasn't going to work. I overheard what this scam was and I never would have thought about this. Yet, according to the manager it was widespread enough that they all had been alerted to this. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of resources that go into a scam.
As we are led to believe on Dateline, the Fifth Estate and other investigative shows, scams are perpetrated at an alarming rate and it is difficult for law enforcement to do anything. Victims are embarrassed and don't report, laws can't keep up, and scammers are savvy.
The reality is that people who are so inclined will always find a way to engage in immoral or borderline illegal behaviour. That is not news, that is reality.
Miss Manners is a thing of the past so no one monitors bad manners or unethical behaviour. Enforcement agencies have their hands full and can't be everywhere.
What can we do? The only thing we can do is lead by example. Just because we can get away with something doesn't mean that we should. Believe me, I have had to check my own privilege more than once. A couple of years ago, I had an opportunity to cut the queue and get my picture taken with the Stanley Cup. Believe me, having my picture taken with the Stanley Cup and the Stanley Cup winning coach was a big dream of mine. All I had to do was use an advantage that I had to cut in line. Doing so would have meant that others wouldn't have had the opportunity. I remained in the long line and didn't get to have my picture taken with the Stanley Cup. It just didn't feel moral to cut in line.
I have to admit, I more than a little disappointed that the Mixed Doubles Olympic Curling Trials are proceeding. I know, I know, they have worked with Manitoba Public Health Officials to ensure are protocols will be followed and the athletes will be safe. I know it is legal for them to do so. I know they have been planning this event for a long time. I know the prize is a trip to the Olympics representing our great country. I know all of that. I also know that fans really need something to cheer about. I know because I am one of those fans. I know they are proceeding with the blessing of everyone in a leadership position.
I know they can proceed, I just don't feel that morally it is the right move. Public Health orders prohibit sports tournaments from December 21 - January 11. They can dance around why this is not a tournament but it is. Manitobans are advised to hunker down and not to travel and to cancel their holiday plans. So, I am sorry but bringing in athletes, media, and other curling officials seems a little privileged. It doesn't matter what precautions are being done, it just seems a little, well, immoral.
Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. As we can see, it is a very slippery slope.
No wonder my grandson is exhausted.
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