People sometimes convince themselves that ripping off a big institution is OK. They're big. And there's really no victim. Not so. Shoplifting and embezzlement and robberies increase the cost of doing business and the price of goods and services. Companies have shareholders and investors that are hurt -- including many retirees and those building nest eggs. Governments have taxpayers that are ripped off.
Recently, we've seen a woman plead guilty to stealing $600,000 from a Waynesboro bank, and a woman who received a year in prison for taking $300,000 from her Aiken, S.C., employer.
And police have arrested a Richmond County Animal Services employee ripping off taxpayers by using county-issued fuel cards to put gasoline in a private vehicle. More arrests were likely, as the county says $10,000 worth of gasoline was bought illegally.
There's always a victim. It's usually us.
Comments
As long as most business is done on the honor system, there will always be those who lack honor to take advantage of the opportunity to steal. Having to glean these people is part of life. Allowing them to get away with it or to pay almost no retribution for these acts is to encourage the acts. Trust must always be earned or it will only be worth the purchase price.
Beijing has been buying up US government debt, which has allowed the US to spend beyond its means.
Pigs smell like pork. No post to prove it, but it's still true. I think what GR-10 was saying is that China is deeply invested in the United States. What a great way to make an adversary into our friend and to get them invested in the capitalist system.
PT, don't you mean what a great way to be endebted to an adversary?
No, imdstuf, China wants to see the U.S. prosper so they'll get their money (with interest) back and as they stay invested in the capitalist market, their society and life style will change to be more compatible with ours. I like sharing the wealth with achievers and invite them to join us in our endeavor to improve the world by creating more wealth. Thanks China for investing in America. Spread the word...the water is fine.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
