Reluctant Empathy and Old Ideas

I’ll go to my corner now that I’ve had my little tantrum after writing something that was more catalyst than conviction.

Later in the day when I was on my way to collect the resident teen from his spot at the curb after school, I heard the man I’d been watching earlier on television ask for privacy for the executives who’d received bonuses.  If the company was subpoenaed for the list of names, then it could be public information and the man expressed concern, reading from notes they’d already received from hate mongers about what should be done to the executives and their families if given the opportunity.

I am not, nor will I ever be a hate monger.

When I got back home I turned the television on again  finding myself searching the man’s face for something — anything — wondering what he must be thinking sitting there, responding to one question after another — some of which had already been asked.  Nothing in his eyes or the set of his jaw conveyed anything other than a tolerant willingness to cooperate and explain how and why his company was in the position it was in.

It will only amount to a flutter in the grander scheme of things, but I’ve been wondering about an old practice and its potential effect on people who have a tendency to believe they’re worth more than others and find themselves in morally challenging positions.

It’s an idea.