WEBBTIDE 2001-2002 @ SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Volume 37 No. 09 Feb. 15 - Feb. 28, 2002 [ ARCHIVE ] [ GUESTBOOK ]
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'Greek god' leads the way for ethically challenged

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      Wrongdoers everywhere are rejoicing a newfound approach to lying, cheating and generally abusing trust. Tim Eyman, pseudohumble leader of initiatives designed to help the average citizen save money on taxes, is carving a twisted path through rather curious territory.
      Eyman's original argument was that all other politicians are filthy money-grubbers, and he would devote his time and efforts in altruistic service to his fellow Washingtonians. Instead, he paid himself a yearly salary that far exceeded Governor Locke's.
      Recently busted for transferring initiative funds into his own for-profit corporation, Eyman has offered an interesting defense:
      Yes, it is wrong, but I deserve the money. Therefore, I will continue to take donations that I promised I wouldn't touch. This time I will tell everyone about it, and that will make it right.
      What a fantastic innovation. It opens the way for tax dodgers, cheating husbands and other members of the pond-scum community to act without conscience, free from retribution.
      This could wipe out the need for the criminal justice system, and civil litigation might become a thing of the past.
      IRS Agent: "Did you know that you face ten years in prison for tax evasion, and we have the proof to put you away?"
      Not-so-artful Dodger: "I know that, but I have a proposal. Every year at tax time, I'll send a reminder note to you that I won't be paying again. It's really my money, after all."
      IRS Agent: "Thank you for your honesty. We look forward to hearing from you next year."
      A husband comes home burdened with the guilt of an extramarital affair.
      Dirtbag: "Honey, I've been sleeping with another woman."
      Wife: "What?!"
      Dirtbag: "I feel terrible about this, so I'm going to continue cheating on you, but I'll be really up-front about it."
      Wife: "You're the best."
      Perhaps the most offensive aspect of Eyman's behavior is the attitude that lies beneath his actions. In the Feb. 5 issue of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Eyman declares his remorse for disappointing his followers, saying, "... they thought I was some kind of Greek god." Not a flattering opinion of his supporters.
      He is positioning himself as a victim of his own ego and will leave it up to his adoring flock of sheep as to what he should do with the remaining funds. No offer to remove the money from his own accounts. The question is: What is the appropriate salary for a god?
      Sadder still are those who want him to continue taking their money. While some poor schmoes may truly be forgiving, most are in it for themselves: $30 car tabs. This nasty fiasco illustrates that most people have a price in exchange for ethics: a fortune for a deity and a pittance for his peasants.

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by Cindy Valleley

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'Greek god' leads the way for ethically challenged
.	Wrongdoers everywhere are rejoicing a newfound approach to lying, cheating and generally abusing trust. Tim Eyman, pseudohumble leader of initiatives designed to help the average citizen save money on taxes, is carving a twisted path through rather curious territory. Eyman's original argument was that all other politicians are filthy money-grubbers, and he would devote his time and efforts in altruistic service to his fellow Washingtonians. Instead, he paid himself a yearly salary that far exceeded Governor Locke's. Recently busted for transferring initiative funds into his own for-profit corporation, Eyman has offered an interesting defense: Yes, it is wrong, but I deserve the money. Therefore, I will continue to take donations that I promised I wouldn't touch. This time I will tell everyone about it, and that will make it right. What a fantastic innovation. It opens the way for tax dodgers, cheating husbands and other members of the pond-scum community to act without conscience, free from retribution. This could wipe out the need for the criminal justice system, and civil litigation might become a thing of the past. IRS Agent: "Did you know that you face ten years in prison for tax evasion, and we have the proof to put you away?" Not-so-artful Dodger: "I know that, but I have a proposal. Every year at tax time, I'll send a reminder note to you that I won't be paying again. It's really my money, after all." IRS Agent: "Thank you for your honesty. We look forward to hearing from you next year." A husband comes home burdened with the guilt of an extramarital affair. Dirtbag: "Honey, I've been sleeping with another woman." Wife: "What?!" Dirtbag: "I feel terrible about this, so I'm going to continue cheating on you, but I'll be really up-front about it." Wife: "You're the best." Perhaps the most offensive aspect of Eyman's behavior is the attitude that lies beneath his actions. In the Feb. 5 issue of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Eyman declares his remorse for disappointing his followers, saying, "... they thought I was some kind of Greek god." Not a flattering opinion of his supporters. He is positioning himself as a victim of his own ego and will leave it up to his adoring flock of sheep as to what he should do with the remaining funds. No offer to remove the money from his own accounts. The question is: What is the appropriate salary for a god? Sadder still are those who want him to continue taking their money. While some poor schmoes may truly be forgiving, most are in it for themselves: $30 car tabs. This nasty fiasco illustrates that most people have a price in exchange for ethics: a fortune for a deity and a pittance for his peasants.	.
by Cindy Valleley