Exempt by Choice

"It amounts to behaving ethically ... 

a sorely maligned concept in many circles."

Jon Kabat - Zinn

If called upon, we would be able to write a quick definition or present the  concept of having ethics.  We all know what it means, but do we apply it to ourselves.  Ethics are like rules or laws we are to honor or follow, but there seems to be some people who just disregard ethics if it personally involves themselves.  Do they never look into a mirror?

There is a man I used to know who is a heart felt respondent to any handicapped person, yet feels free to park in designated handicap parking spaces.   Stated at all parks are rules for everyone's safety, except he is an exception as the guidelines were meant for others.  He quickly discovers there is an error on his bill, he does not make strides to correct it as it was the other person's error, not his.

One of many definitions for integrity is "Who you are when no one is looking."  That really speaks to me.  The same is true for ethics.  The ethics we choose for our lovely selves may differ from what others choose and that is personal choice.  However, respect and honor needs to be offered in all situations, rather than making our selves exempt by choice.