Social Ethics

An elderly relative is marrying a (by all appearances) lovely woman, and we are invited to attend. I'm thrilled for their happiness. My problem is with their church, which was founded on anti-gay sentiment, and has joined with a governing body which ( in the country where the church is based) is promoting legislation which institues the death penalty for homosexual practices, among other civil rights horrors.

By MZ. MANNERS, ETHICS SCOUT DENMOTHER

I know that it's illegal. Let me just say that right off the bat. I know I shouldn't be smoking dope. When something is illegal, then it's most likely unethical. And I know that there are laws about the treatment of animals. And yet, here we are.

By BARCODE 2x

There are some relationships that have little value to the world at large. The wrong relationships, or inappropriate relationships often benefit no one but the people involved. On one hand, we should let love run its course. The human heart is illogical; passion knows nothing, and love often blinds us to our surroundings.

By BARCODE 2x

Valentine's Day approaches, a semi-holiday that brings more trouble with it than good, one could argue. Forget going out to dinner; restaurants, as well as hotels and hot tub gardens are booked solid, weeks in advance. You could go to a movie, but romantic comedies like Valentine's Day or Leap Year are going to be really corny, promoting an unhealthy image of romance.

By BARTON BUND

What special rights are granted to artists in our world? This is an evolving list, laying out the rights of artists: 

Isn't there something better you could be doing with your money than spending it on silly gifts this year?

By BARCODE 2x

Some gifts we wish we could give back. What is the worst gift you have received in your life? What made it so bad?

When you see a homeless person on one corner and a Salvation Army bell-ringer on another, whom should you give your spare change to? And why?

I am a married woman who has been having an affair with a married man for over a year now.  The first time we made love I was so full of guilt that I told my husband about it and consequently we are now legally separated. 

The man I am having the affair with told me that he did not want to tell his wife because she would hinder the sale of their house and he would never be free of her.  Well the house has now sold and now, after all this time, he has decided that he is not ready for our relationship.