WHAT YOU ALLOW YOU ENCOURAGE

From Character Counts by Michael Josephson

It's no wonder that 38% of all high school students admit they stole from a store within the past year. We've essentially gutted the concept of deterrence by virtually eliminating the risk of serious consequences. In effect, we've created free crime zones.

Isn't that the clear message of the Winona Ryder case where stealing 20 items worth $5,500 merited no more than recommended probation and community service? The prosecutor thought she was justifying her lenient recommendation by pointing out that the trial was about conduct not character. The problem is the conduct went essentially unpunished and that will have a negative impact on character--on that of Ms. Ryder and everyone else who sees how lightly grand theft is viewed.

What's more, conduct is the product of character. In Ms. Ryder's case, the taped behavior was so calm and calculated that one could infer that this was not her first crime. And, sure enough, the prosecutor tried but was unable to offer evidence of three prior incidents where she was stopped by security guards after walking out with unpaid items.

What you allow you encourage and, when people are allowed to get away with misconduct, they are likely to do it again and their disdain for the law increases. This places a moral responsibility on victims and law enforcers to press charges and insist that wrongdoers suffer serious negative consequences.

Whether non-enforcement is the result of an attempt to avoid the hassle of citizenship or a misguided sense of mercy or forgiveness, the unwillingness to demand real consequences even for first offenses is doing a lot more harm than good.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts. For more character-building tips, tools, guides and gear: http://www.charactercounts.org