Comments on: More Fun With Ethics!

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:34:55 +0000

1. Forget “true generosity.” Maybe Eric needs to figure out “true friendship.”
2. What … no car line? I’d ask the school folks about the parking/door situation.

By: Jody

Jody — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:13:21 +0000

I don’t think you did anything wrong in declining to sponsor Eric’s wife.

Our preschool explicitly invited parents to use the 4 handicap spots at the back entrance of the host church for drop-off only, because there were no church activities until half an hour after the start of preschool and there was a real limit on space. Could you ask the preschool director what option they think is best, given the constraints you face?

By: Becki

Becki — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:09:03 +0000

I think your reasons for refusing to help Eric were sound. I am sure that you wish him well, but he is asking for a fairly large commitment on your part in exchange for…what, exactly? The pleasure of his continued friendship? I’m not saying he was wrong to ask, but I do think he is wrong to condition your continued relationship on your willingness to sponsor his wife. That smacks a little of extortion to me.

And while I take the preservation of handicapped spots for the handicapped pretty seriously, I think if you’re parking for a very brief period, there are other handicapped spots available for those who might need them, and you’re doing it to keep your kids safe rather than just for your own comfort, it’s okay. Or the curb thing. That would work, too.

By: Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:55:23 +0000

1) Don’t feel bad about that. If it was totally on the up and up he wouldn’y have to ask a random friend from the bus.

2) Tough one. I’m with Erin on the curb thing.

By: Erin

Erin — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:15:10 +0000

Wow, you are full of the ethical dilemmas these days!

I say, no, friendship doesn’t extend to the wallet. It might if my wallet, say, had money in it. But when I don’t have money for *me*, I sure don’t have money for anyone else. So, if he doesn’t want to be friends just because you won’t sponsor him financially, pooh pooh to that.

Also, it’s okay to park there as long as you know that there are no handicapped people around waiting to use the spot. I always park at the curb with my flashers on, rather than going for a real live parking spot. Do they have a curb you can park at?