Hypocrisy 101

Hypocrisy like illiteracy, is a basic human condition which culture exists to counteract.

But while language is common and the absorption of it is almost automatic, morality isn't.

However, one of the things we can do is refuse to be sympathetic to anyone who employs a double-standard. No, its not a shame that their car got broken into and someone stole the CDs they'd boosted from a store. If it was right when they stole, then stealing from them is right. And if there's something wrong with the act when it happens to them, then its got to be wrong in more than who the target is.

Sometimes its as simple as calling someone on their stuff. For everytime someone says, "There ought to be a law which...," you can ask them if they plan to restrict themselves first to comply before they ask others to do so.

While I heard it first from someone else, I prefer to think of my own morality as "reserving the right to complain." I can't very well complain about something if I participate in it. I believe that this formulation is better than the "Golden Rule," because the "Rule" anticipates reciprocation by others.

Dante