The question of right and wrong has come up in so many different issues in the past couple of weeks. I don’t even understand the question. The answer, to me, is crystal clear. We need to decide on morals as a society. Not based on any religious-based book or perspective of some small group on the fringe, but as human beings who know, in their hearts, the differences between right and wrong.
The Supreme Court of Canada is hearing the case of a Toronto man who cut his adult daughter out of his will, she claims, because she is black and had a baby with a white man. This happens in families. Rifts are formed over racism. There’s no reason not to believe her and her account is corroborated by others. But how it ended up in the Supreme Court is a mystery. Racism, which we all have decided is morally – not to mention intellectually – wrong, is at the heart of the decision. Therefore the decision is flawed. Suggesting that there is an opposing side to this makes the lawyers the only winners.
A Kentucky county clerk refuses to issue marriage licenses because of her understanding of her beliefs as a born-again Christian. Further, she refuses to allow deputy clerks in her office to grant the licenses. She has spent some time in jail, which is unfortunate, and at least one presidential candidate calls it “an attack on Christianity”. It’s actually an attack on a person who thinks she is above the law of the land. If we allow that, we submit to anarchy. Even the judge who put her in the slammer said he doesn’t always personally believe in what he must do, but he took an oath. It’s his job. If Bell Media suddenly decided that, as part of my job, I had to say something on the air that opposed my beliefs, I would do it or quit. That’s how the world works, lady.
I don’t see a grey area anywhere. I put my personal biases and beliefs aside every day when I deliver the news. I defy anybody to be able to tell where my political allegiances lie. (And if you do figure it out, would you please let me know? Because at this point in the federal election campaign, I’m not only undecided – I’m confused!) A person agrees to do a job and if they decide particulars of that job are unpalatable to them, they quit. Period. Tell me where I’m wrong.
You’re in the middle of the road doing your job and hoping not to be run over by all those who continuously sway from side to side as they travel the road you’re on.