Originally posted by texasmom
Past use (like an over-the-weekend joint) also is a great indicator of the level of respect for the law/authority that someone has. If they're willing to disregard the law in respect to the use of drugs, you can be darn sure they're willing to disregard your work policies as well.
That's the whole *nothing is more important than me* attitude which has enveloped us lately.
It is a matter of perspective. What if the law(s) in question are useless or require an update. Lets continue to keep marijuana illegal because it's an evil weed!!!! (but in the meantime keep swilling the alcohol because it's MUCH MUCH safer for you mind, body and sense of judgment) Because alcohol is legal, it's OK?
Please, let us not get into a debate about respect for the law. No offense TM, but have you ever disobeyed the speed limit? Prove you haven't (un-deniable proof) and I will personally go to Geno's and hand deliver an authentic Philly cheesesteak to your doorstep. It's impossible to prove is what I am getting at.
But seriously, are there a certain amount of laws that we must break before it becomes a lack of respect? Or is it a certain number of times we break a particular law? Does it not include moving violations, because they are laws also, just like any other. Or is it when we find ourselves facing a misdemeanor violation or do we wait for it to be an actually felony before it is constituted as disrespect for the law.
You can absolutely NOT generalize about peoples level of morality or work ethic by what they do in their private homes, on their personal time. That would be like me making the assumption as follows: I am your neighbor and I see you sitting by the pool in a lawn chair all weekend long, every weekend. You don't do any housework, yard work, or home maintenance in general. I also happen to own the local widget company that you have applied for employment at. Knowing what I have observed of you as a neighbor, can I safely come to the conclusion that you are a layabout and lazy and will not have any work ethic as an employee of mine? Would it be fair of me to not hire you based on my observations?
Everyone, everywhere has broken SOME type of law at some point in their life. Even if they didn't know it at the time. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for violating it, correct? Where do we draw the line?
We can also reverse this analogy. I may have an employee who is bar-none, the best I have ever had. They come to work 10 minutes early every day, not just getting their on time, but actually ready to work when the bell rings. He is well mannered, educated, and well spoken. He is the most productive guy I have on staff. He can turn out twice as many widgets as any other employee. He is never sick, never takes time off, never makes defective widgets, works overtime if needed, and is basically the epitome of a model employee.
But..........
When he goes home, he drinks himself into a stupor, beats his wife, kicks the dog, molests his children, and is having a torrid affair with the gardener.
Do we judge this guy bu the way he appears at work?
Maybe it is better to not assume at all and decide what kind of person someone is when we know all the facts about them, how they conduct themselves at work, home and play, and then make an educated decision based upon ALL observations.
Let's not say because someone smokes marijuana, double parks, speeds, or pull the tag off of mattresses has a blanket disregard or disrespect for all other laws, legal or moral.
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