Ethics: The Foundation of Judgment and Behavior

Since October 25, 2007, a lot has been written in our local newspaper, The Fayetteville Observer, about the controversial involvement of Mayor Tony Chavonne, City Manager Dale Iman, and Police Chief Tom Bergamine, in the police investigation of a traffic accident involving Dana Knight, the wife of a retired Fort Bragg General.

According to almost daily newspaper accounts, Knight was involved in a three-vehicle accident. At the scene, the investigating Police officer interviewed several witnesses, but obtained conflicting statements. Fearful that his wife might receive an unwarranted traffic citation, Knight's husband contacted Chavonne. Chavonne met with Dana Knight and her husband at the hospital. Thereafter, Chavonne contacted Iman, who also came to the hospital and met with the Knights.

While at the hospital, Iman spoke to the investigating Police officer and learned of the conflicting witness statements. However, the officer reportedly told Iman that her Supervisor ordered that a citation be issued to the driver most implicated by the conflicting statements, which apparently was Knight. Iman then contacted Bergamine to confirm whether it was proper to issue citations in accidents involving conflicting witness statements. Apparently, Iman considered issuing a citation under such circumstances as a possible "rush to judgment." Subsequently, the citation issued for Knight was voided. However, a citation was issued later to one of the other drivers, who was seriously injured and hospitalized as a result of the accident.

Once this story broke, local newspaper columnists blasted the Mayor, City Manager, and Chief of Police for allegedly violating the public trust, and for allegedly using the power of their positions unfairly. The chorus of accusations and complaints intensified when Iman, in explaining his involvement, said that he did nothing more than he would have done for any other citizen. Immediately, this brought howls and public outcries from the citizenry.

At the first City Council meeting following this incident, a motion was made to censure Mayor Chavonne. But rather than recuse himself from voting, Chavonne voted against the motion resulting in a tie vote, effectively quashing any official censure. But, the Council did manage to pass a motion authorizing the City Attorney to request an independent investigation by the State Bureau of Invesigation (SBI) or another competent outside agency. However, despite efforts to expand the investigation to include the actions of Chavonne, Iman, and Bergamine, the adopted motion allowed only for a factual investigation of the disputed accident.

Days later, Chavonne issued a written apology published by the the Fayetteville Observer. Without simply admitting his actions were wrong, however, Chavonne appeared to only apologize to those who were offended by his actions. Rather than help, Chavonne's written apology caused additional public outcries, and may have further tarnished his otherwise sterling reputation.

Then, today in the November 28 issue of the Fayetteville Observer, we learned that both the SBI and the NC State Highway Patrol declined the city's request to conduct an investigation, leaving the city to consider, "hiring a consultant or just letting the court system decide the traffic citations stemming from the wreck."

Obviously, it appears that many of those involved in this matter used very poor judgment. Public trust is very precious and requires vigilante protection, especially where there could be a perception of unfair influence and abuse of power. Sadly, such activities probably occur every day in every town and city in America. However, every time it occurs, regardless of the circumstances, a part of the fabric of public trust is torn away unnecessarily.

Clearly, all the officials involved in this matter are honorable and decent citizens; and all sought to offer help, even if such help might have been misguided. But what is important now is how this matter might effect the ability of local government to function properly, especially with the specter of favoritism lurching in the background. Moreover, what will become the ethical standard for those holding public office, and wielding significant positions of power. Indeed, there is nothing more frightful to the public than officials who appear to abuse their power and wound the public trust.

Regrettably, the wounds and scars of this issue will not fade soon. Nor will rebuilding the public trust occur overnight. But if those involved will take the high road, admit their actions were wrong, and show by their future actions that such mistakes will not occur again, then maybe some good can come from all of this. Indeed, even though some might consider ethical behavior an endangered species, truly it's alive and well; and perhaps its presence has never been needed more than now. Therefore, let's remember that ethics is the foundation of judgment and behavior, and a sure cornerstone of a healthy and free society.

Catfish and Blue

Yesterday, I wrote about how the failure of my kitchen garbage disposal turned out to be a miracle at my home. Indeed, the mishap turned out to be a true blessing for my family, and allowed us to reconnect in a powerful way.

Well, today the plumbers came and replaced the garbage disposal. They arrived in a large, paneled, blue van, and introduced themselves as Catfish and Blue. Blue is an older black man, with a strong grip, a wry smile, and a twinkle in his eye. Quickly, I realized he was the lead plumber.

Catfish, the helper, is a young, talkative, heavy-set white man, who wore a pair of eye glasses fitted with lenses the thickness of Coke bottles that were set in a large, horn-rimed, black frame. Both men were very friendly.

Immediately, Blue attacked the defective disposal unit and set about removing it. While Blue worked feverishly, Catfish talked about my dog Charlie, a very large Black Lab, who stalked along the rear deck of my home and suspiciously eyed the plumbers through a rear kitchen window.

Catfish said, "Mr. Foley, I shore do appreciate an animal lover. But I hate to tell you this; you've got a horse, not a dog. Why, that's about the biggest dog I ever seen."

"Oh, Charlie only weighs about 115 pounds now." I said. "He had gotten up to almost 130 pounds, but the vet convinced me that while he can easily carry such weight, it would be better for him if he lost some weight. So, Charlie's been on a diet for about six months."

Blue said, "Well, like I said, he's a beautiful dog, but he's still as big as a horse." At that point, Catfish began to tell me about his dog, a Pit Bull and Lab mix, which he had found as an abandoned puppy, and which he had nursed until it finally agreed to take a baby bottle. "Yeah, it took me forever to get Sasha to take that bottle."

Suddenly, Blue, who was partially wedged inside the kitchen sink cabinet, started laughing. He said, "Catfish, why did you stop breastfeeding the puppy and give it a bottle?" Catfish turned red and pretended not to hear Blue. But by now, Blue was laughing uncontrollably.

Soon, Catfish began talking about his father, who is an ex-convict, while Blue talked about frying his Thanksgiving turkey. "Yeah," said Blue, "It only takes about three minutes per pound to fry a turkey at 350 degrees. Some folks say fry the turkey at 400 degrees, but I want to make sure my turkey is done. So, I never fry a turkey larger than fifteen pounds, and I never fry one at hotter than 350 degrees."

Within 45 minutes of their arrival, Catfish and Blue had replaced the garbage disposal. As they prepared to leave, Catfish handed me a bill for $175.00. At first I thought this was expensive. But as I reflected on how much I had been entertained, and how much I had learned over the past 45 minutes, I chuckled and gladly wrote out my check.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Foley," said Catfish. "And by the way," he said, "Charlie is a beautiful dog, but I just can't get over how big he is. Why, when he spreads out his paw, it's as big as my hand. If you have any problems, remember the disposal includes a two-year warranty on the parts, and a one-year warranty on the labor. Wow, what a big horse...I mean dog. Have a great day Mr. Foley."

Now, the sad part of this story is that my little Thanksgiving holiday miracle cost me $175.00. But the happy part is that I got to meet Catfish and Blue. After all, its not everyday one can get a garbage disposal replaced and learn about the joys of life at the same time. Wow, Catfish and Blue! Surely, they're the best plumbers in the world.

The Miracle of Burst Plumbing

Usually, burst plumbing is never a time to celebrate. In fact, anyone who would even hint that burst plumbing might be joyous is probably a lunatic. But its true! And not only that; burst plumbing caused a miracle at my home during the Thanksgiving holidays.

You see, my kids came home during Thanksgiving. Both are accomplished and strong-willed. I love them dearly, but as young adults they seldom exhibit love for one another, as they once did when much younger. Each has lots of friends, but different interests. So when home together, they're pretty much doing their own, separate, things. But meals are common times; so at least then we're together, though only for a short while.

While sharing dinner on Sunday after church, my wife left to get something and noticed water on the floor in front of the sink cabinet. In a moment worthy of an Oscar nomination, suddenly she shouted with incredulity, "Oh, my God!" Immediately, she opened the sink cabinet doors, and again with passionate disbelief, she screeched, "Oh no. The cabinet is flooded and covered with food particles from the disposal. Oh no! Oh my God!" My kids and I just sat stunned and starred at each other. We were in disbelief ourselves. Not so much at the mishap, as at my wife's magnificent exclamation.

Suddenly, my kids looked at each other, then at me. Without missing a beat, we all burst out laughing hysterically. Indeed, it was funny and we couldn't stop laughing. Frantically, my wife demanded that I change my clothes, so I could help clean out the cabinet and dry up the water. Calmly, I left the room, glad to be away for a few moments. But as I changed clothes, I heard wails of laughter coming from the kitchen.

When I returned, my daughter was standing in front of the cabinet wearing gloves and a mask she'd used while rehabilitating flooded housing in New Orleans during the summer. Also, she was holding a makeshift microphone and pretending to be an on scene reporter for CNN. As my daughter gave a blow by blow account of the devastation, my son was standing nearby choking with uncontrollable laughter. By now, even my wife was laughing and enjoying the moment.

As I removed the cabinet contents and thoroughly cleaned them, I was struck by the moment. I slowed my efforts and simply enjoyed our time together. Finally, after several days our family was caught up in something funny, spontaneous, and remarkably invigorating. It was like old times when the kids were younger, and somehow we managed to turn mishaps into teachable and joyous moments.

I must admit that after everything was cleaned, dried, and put away, I secretly wished we could do it again. Indeed, watching my kids react in the moment and to each other with genuine love and affection was a miracle. No, not so much a new event; but rather a remembering of how we used to have great fun together. I sensed something special had happened, and I believe the kids sensed it too.

Finally, when the kids were packed and ready to leave, my wife and I didn't want them to go; one to Raleigh and the other to Boone.

For just a few precious moments on a rainy Sunday afternoon during Thanksgiving, we were a family again. We had a grand time together, and to my knowledge it was the first time that burst plumbing caused a miracle. Wow! Who would've "thunk it."

Gasoline Bondage

Some people might call me anal about the way that I keep up with gasoline expenditures for my automobile. But the truth is that by keeping track of gasoline purchases, I can learn a lot.

For instance, watching my vehicle's gasoline consumption can alert me to whether my vehicle is operating efficiently. Furthermore, poor gas mileage can suggest other problems, such as tire inflation anomalies, a clogged fuel filter, or worse, an aging engine.

But aside from issues with my vehicle, gasoline expenditures speak volumes about the state of our national economy. In fact, this became painfully clear during my recent perusal of an old check register.

According to the check register, on September 18, 2006 I paid $2.28 a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline in Lillington, North Carolina. I live in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but since I commute to Campbell Divinity School twice weekly in Buies Creek, near Lillington, I purchased gas there. On September 26, I purchased gas at my regular vendor in Fayetteville for $2.26 per gallon.

On October 2, 2006 I paid $2.07 a gallon in Lillington. On October 30, I paid $2.12 in Lillington. On December 7, I paid $2.21 in Lillington, and on December 21, I paid $2.30 in Fayetteville. On January 11, 2007, I paid $2.17 in Lillington and on January 28, I paid $1.97 in Fayetteville.

Since then, gasoline has continued to climb steadily until today, when I paid $3.02 in Fayetteville. This means that less than a year ago gasoline was $1.05 cheaper than it is today. By implication, this means that today it costs 33% more to fill up the tank of an automobile than it did less than a year ago. If it costs about $36.00 to fill up an eighteen gallon gas tank less than a year ago, today it costs $54.00.

Now I admitted that some folks call me anal about the way I keep up with gasoline expenditures; but the truth is that the hyper-inflationary pressure of gasoline can have a devastating affect on family budgets, especially families on fixed incomes, such as the elderly. Granted the elderly may use their automobiles less than others, but still the costs of gasoline absorbs much needed funds that could be better spent on food, medicine, etc.

The exorbitant costs of gasoline has a direct and even more invasive trickle-down effect on all commodities. This results in less discretionary income at all levels, which is not good news for retailers who thrive on the spending habits of the public, especially at this time of year.

Thus, it is painfully clear that we live in a society suffering from gasoline bondage. As I said, one can learn a lot by keeping up with one's gasoline expenditures. But unfortunately, the result may be nothing more than a sorry headache, brought on by the recognition that rather than living in freedom, we live in a world suffering from economic bondage. If only it were a dream!