2. Is money positive or negative
3. Does money give you power?
New Question:
We know that affluence (wealth, social status, power etc.) can sometimes put you above the law. Do you think it should? Do you believe it is ok or justifiable for those people? Why?
Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmA7kY5tySI
I do not think it is right that wealthy and powerful people are sometimes put above the law. I understand how and why this happens, they use their wealth and status to pay people off so they do not get in trouble. I do not think this is right. I believe that everyone should be punished for their actions no matter their income or status. I think that if a poor man commits the same crime as a wealthy one they should have the same punishment. I do not think it is right how wealthy and powerful people use their status to be put above the law.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with those who allow people with wealth or status to be above the law. It is only fair that everyone is treated equally, especially if one commits a crime. Whether someone has affluence or not shouldn’t decide if they are superior and exempt from punishment. Every day, people are able to buy themselves out of problems and learn to cheat their way through their troubles, unlike those with little money who deal with their problems morally. I believe that allowing affluent people to be put above the law will only encourage those to cheat the system, harming everyone who may not be as prosperous.
DeleteIt's not okay under any cicrumstances to be put above the law just because one has affluence. For example, Congressman are not subject to the same laws as the general public under the stock market. The affluent people are supposed to be the people that others look up to and want to be like. Not people who take advantage of their power and status to cheat the legal system. Affluence should be something that is used to help and benefit all people and shouldn't be used to undermine everyday laws. Just as Dwight Howard shouldn't be able to dictate a professional Coache's future, our own COngressman shouldn't be able to have unfair advantages in the stock market.
ReplyDeleteThere are many examples in the world today, and in history that shows how affluence puts you above the law. I agree with Matt on how no circumstances should put you above the law. We were put on this earth as equals and if we divide ourselves into classes then it will lead to many problems. By dividing into classes we go back in time to similarly when whites thought they were superior to African Americans. It is not right. Everyone should realize they are equals and should be treated that way. Howard, although he is better than most teammates, should not be cocky and selfish because it is incorrect and disrespectful. However, I do think that there are people who deserve more recognition for what they have done in their lives. The smartest people in the world, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, should all be influential to others. The people that have actually done something beneficial to the world deserve to have their thoughts heard in my opinion. Overall, the quote:"Treat people the way you want to be treated," shall be followed universally.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that some people have fundamental or inherent advantages in their talent, appearances, wealth that warrant recognition for hard work or achievement. Unfortunately, those that have been praised, revered or sought after lose sight of morality. We place these people on a pedestal and they feel untouchable. People like rock stars. athletes, stars have constant adoration and become corrupted by the lack of consequences or reality. In order to be significant, they seem to always want more and may never be satisfied. People like Howard or drug addicted musicians seem to always be looking for more and we are willing to give them any allowances because we value something about them. The thing that makes it frustratingly unfair is that because these these people have money or talent or beauty, they are not better people. Often times because they can get away with it, they are often skewed or more corrupt.
ReplyDeleteIt is both a blessing and a curse to be like Kurt Cobain or JD Salinger or even Howard because since the possibilities seem limitless., it is hard to ever feel finished or complete or even understood. People tell you what you want to hear and grow your ego (Lebron) and when
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ReplyDeleteDon'r get what they want or feel appreciated, they can't handle adversity. Instead of becoming a better person or evolving, they lose sight of respect and ethics because they can get away with it or feel misunderstood and react with a temper tantrum ( Howard) or constantly trying to fill a void or always proving themselves or isolating themselves. The very thing that makes them supposedly better can actually make them worse.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think that having greater wealth or power should put you above the law, though it often happens. For instance though a wealthy person may go to jail for breaking the law, chances are they can pay the bail and be out rather quickly. While this itself is perfectly legal, I still don't believe that anyone should be above the law, regardless of social status, race, etc. In order to be an equal and fair country the people must be treated equally. Just because you may be rich and another may be poor doesn't give you anymore merit than the other person.
ReplyDeleteI personally do not think it is ok that status and money can put you above the law. I believe that people should all be under the same level. I do think though that we contribute to their power and therefore are letting them live above the law. We allow them to gain social status and live above us. On the other hand by having more power and by being famous your actions are more criticized. For example, if you were arrested for something not everyone would have to know but if you are famous everyone would find out because your life is in the public. Every mistake you make if your famous is escalated as to balance out their position above the law.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that people who have money and power in this world do get away with situations, which are with the law. I think that people that are higher ranking than others should not be able to get away with crimes that they commit. Everyone is created equal and therefore, should be treated equally, doesn't matter about the things you have or the job you have. If two people commit the same crime and one has higher status or popularity, they should both be equally charged or punished. It is not ok for people to be treated differently if they have money or a higher ranking job.
ReplyDeleteI personally think it should not put someone above the law. But The rich can control a great portion of what happens around the world economically and in government. Everyone should be treated equal but with the difference in wealth people change how they can act and be at times. I dont think it is justifiable for these people to be above everyone else, because everyone should be equal and no one should fall under the influence of money to change what they believe rather than what someone is paying them to say. But we all know that people will become corrupt by money
ReplyDeletei dont believe that anyone should be above the law. however it is natrual for people to want to in a way do a favor for some one of notable status, it in a way gives you a feeling of importance yourself. and in the case of someone like dwight he shouldnt be allowed to make decision like this and choose his coach however the fact of the matter is it all comes down to your personal value to others. i believe that every orlando fan would rather see their coach leave than dwight howard. in the end things like this will most likely never change due to peoples fasination with the super wealthy and powerful and also prosecution by superiors who have a relationship with the person or simply by any normal person.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that it is fair for some people to be above the law because of the money they have, especially when they didn’t even work for their money. However, in today's society it’s sadly true but the people with money get away with a lot more than people with less money. It is because our society is so based and blinded by money people will let things slide or do anything for money. It is slightly disturbing to think paper that is used for currency can have so much power in the world. Therefore, it is very important for people to realize the power that comes behind having money and conduct themselves appropriate knowing so. In Dwight Howard's case, I mentioned in class discussion it is very important that respect goes two ways. Yes, Dwight Howard should respect Stan Van Gundy because he is his coach. But, the respect must be returned by van Gundy because Howard is a grown man as well and he deserves respect. Also, D-Howard could throw van Gundy through a brick wall so he shouldn’t mess with him.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe anyone should be above the law under any circumstances. Money is a material not a power that puts you above anyone. If money put people above the law our world would be a corrupt power hungry society. However, under certain circumstances when not handled correctly money or certain talented skills in the case of Howard will put you above the law. Just become someone is better or wealthier doesn't mean they should be put on a pedestal. The Magic started their own trouble when the upper management gave Howard more power then the coach. Everyone must be accountable for their actions no matter what their social status is.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that any person should be above the law no matter how much money they have. It is certainly not justifiable for anyone even someone like Dwight Howard or Jay Gatsby to get away with whatever they want. This is seen in the novel when Jay Gatsby gets out of a speeding ticket just because of his social status and wealth. Dwight Howard, as well, should have no right to make a decision as crucial as this just because he is the star of his team. If people with wealth and power always got whatever they wanted, society would be corrupt with money and power hungry people. No matter who you are you are responsible for your actions and should not receive any special treatment that others wouldn’t.
ReplyDeleteI personally do not believe that a person should not be above the law no matter how much money they have. If tis is how the world was based, it would be completly corrupt and just a power hungry society. In this specific situation Dwight Howard used his wealth and power in a negitive way to get what he wanted. He related to Gatsby and Tom in the novel and how they abuse their power. Unfortunatly this does happen in society and sometimes can not be avioded. That still doesnt make it right though. Just because your wealthier than someone else doesnt mean you deserve more power over them.
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