When Values Collide

Americans are asked to volunteer information that could lead to the apprehension of terrorists or their supporters. Complying can cut across confidentiality and privacy. That makes things a little tricky. If someone tells you something in confidence it would certainly be difficult to go against the promise you have made to keep things between the two of you. But we’re not talking about a little neighborhood gossip here or little tidbits of information that if made public could be embarrassing or upsetting to a few. When it’s terrorism or something with wide-spread implications don’t we owe it to our fellow Americans – which includes people we love and care about deeply – to make sure that we do everything in our power to keep our country safe from harm – whatever that potential harm is? I think we do.

No doubt it would be difficult to be a whistle-blower in any situation. It can thrust us into something that is involved and complicated and that brings adversity upon us. It seems like a small price to pay, however, when you look at the implications of doing nothing. Can anyone look back at 9/11 and honestly say they would not come forward if they had information that could prevent something like that or even something much, much smaller in scale? I can’t imagine anyone could.

Look at our economy? Really, did no one have any idea of the fraudulent things going on in many companies or by individuals? Yes, there was a lot of irresponsible behavior as many were just “rolling with the good times” but there was a lot of fraud, a lot of reckless and unethical if not illegal goings-on. What if some folks stepped forward earlier or at all? Might it have made a difference?

And how about politics – do we want people running our states or working on federal legislation who are mostly out to serve their own self-interests rather that the people who they represent? Especially when they are breaking laws in the process?

I believe it is our responsibility as citizens to do the difficult thing and get involved when we become aware of things that can be detrimental or much worse for the lives of others, even when the impact on ourselves is negligible. Our safety is a big deal. Our financial well-being is a big deal. Our country’s laws and policies and freedoms are a big deal. If there are people out there who are a threat to those ‘things’ then we must do something about it if and when we can. I do feel it is my responsibility to do what I can to ensure the best possible life for those I love and those with whom I live on this earth.

Are you readily willing to volunteer information that might lead to the apprehension of terrorists? Why?