Re: Moral Dilemma

Sorry for quoting this whole thing, but I did not want something taken out of
context. Reply at end..

Gather 'round and hear what settummanque, or blackeagle (Mike Walton) had
to say at 14:25 on 28 Apr 98,


> >A Scout makes a mistake. He holds a controlled substance for a friend.
> > The friend is pretty, smart and female. (Facts not comments on
> > society). Female is busted and rats out Scout. Scout is called into
> > school office
> >and asked if he is in possession.
> >
> >The Scout Oath and Law would require the Scout to answer honestly.
> > However, an honest answer gets the Scout arrested for possession of a
> >controlled substance, a felony. The felony gets you thrown out of
> >>school
> and having to deal with the criminal justice system and me, a >lawyer. >
> >Lying allows the Scout to walk. > >Saying nothing allows the Scout to
> walk. > >1. What does the Scout Do.
>
> "I am sorry, Mr. Moss. I choose not to say anything about this until I
> consult with my parents and our (family) lawyer. I am not trying to evade
> your question, but I want to know my rights as a citizen before I answer."
>
> He says nothing until he hires a lawyer. confides with his counselor, and
> makes a statement as to what happened to the local school authorities.
> Natually, he needs to also confides with his parents and explains the
> entire situation including the situation in which he was used by this
> beautiful young woman.
>
> Scouts don't lie, even when it's "convienent" for them or is to their best
> benefit. By seeking legal representation, surely between the two lawyers
> a favorable resolution can be obtained. Not being a lawyer, I don't know
> much about that part....but I've read enough papers and John Grisham
> novels to know that pleabargining is a part too of American life
> *grinning*
>
> While the Scout Oath and Law should be the moral compass here, Jim, ther's
> also the Consitutional laws and acts which as citizens overrides the Scout
> rules. I would have the Scout to seek representation, and only then, does
> he honestly and forthrightly explain his role in the situation.
>
> This may be the difference between him serving time and him seeing the
> young lady serve time.
>
> That's what *I* would recommend.....
>
> Thanks for making my mind work this morning, even though this was
> discussed a short time back. I'm just getting to the "m"s today!!

I am more than a little disturbed that this is even a question. Yes, he admits it.
Yes, he broke the law. Yes, he should be dealing with consequences. There
isn't even a gray area here.

I would hope before the school pursued any questioning like this his parents
would be contacted and present, and he does have the right to request that.

This wasn't a little "mistake" and he wasn't "used" by someone without
consenting, he broke the law and it is his responsibility. I'm hoping these aren't
real occurrences. I also have to wonder why hypothetical questions are even
being asked on this list.

To state that "Constitutional laws and acts" override moralility is just plain
inappropriate. "I'll only tell the truth if you meet MY conditions" is in no way
being honest or forthright. Are we passing similar attitude on to the scouts?

I know this may come across as a flame, and maybe it is, but we really need
to start worrying about what is right before we ask if it's legal.


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