Inconsistency Begets Hypocrisy

The world is many shades of grey - this is a fact. However, the only way to ensure that people receive just, equal and fair treatment is to narrow this spectrum to as close to black and white as possible. When you start making exceptions, allowing for one person or group to be treated a little different, you open the door for this inequality of treatment. And when you are the person arguing for some sort of exemption or modification, and then change the rules for yourself... well, that's how we wind up with a society where every person is shooting for a different net.

Take the Canadian whale hunt - which has been allowed for certain indigineous tribes under the guise of preserving a traditional component of their culture. Frankly, I believe that this argument has merit - and should be allowed, with a certain degree of regulation. That being said though, the government needs to ensure that it happens under a tightly controlled set of parameters to protect the whale population, but more importantly - if the Inuit and Northwest Coast tribes are using the argument that it's part of their tradition... they should do it traditionally. This means: no speedboats, and certainly no high-powered rifles... paddle boats and harpoons, and that's it. Is it dangerous? Absolutely. But this is the decision that they should be left with - not "this is part of our traditions" and then applying 21st century technology to it.

Furthermore, as soon as our leaders begin making exceptions for one or two special interest groups, more and more people begin asking for them and they will actually have merit to their requests. Consider this when you find yourself in a leadership position - if you maintain a consistent approach, people will not only know ahead of time what your response will likely be, but they will also know that your answer for them will be the same for everyone. Remember that your role is to lead, not to be people's friends... you may not always be liked, but you will be respected.

~Guy