"Whether or not legislation is truly moral
is often a question of who has the power
to define morality."
by:
Jerome H. Skolnick
(1931-) American professor, former president of the American Society of Criminology
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Indeed.
 -- E Archer, NYC     
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    You don't need a dictionary to define morality you are the best judge of wrongness and rightness.
     -- Robert, Sarasota     
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    A philosophic half truth. First half that is true: those that are in power do flex their authority to arbitrarily define morality. Second half that is not true: legislation is either moral or not, no matter what those in power say. Morality was set certain by Nature's God and there are consequences to violating such. By way of example: Forced extraction of the noble laborer's fruits is immoral, creating a slave state, no matter what word salad or reason the immoral say to the contrary.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    Mike you beg the question as to what State have you ever heard of that was run on the voluntary contributions of noble labor? We have 50 in this country. None to my knowledge is run with voluntary contributions.
     -- Bruce, Alabama     
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    Alfred the Great was once asked, "What is justice?" He answered, "I know it when I see it." Everyone knows by their own conscience what is right, wrong, moral, immoral, just, or unjust. It is all a matter of whether one chooses to lie to themselves about it or not.
     -- Ken, Allyn, WA     
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    Mortality decides for us all. Human nature in all its dangerous idiosynchrosies gives us more than enough to deal with. Government is an immoral beast created specifically to address issues which we as individuals cannot individually handle. \ Legislation can be made moral and ethical by our own actions if we choose to believe it.
     -- geoff, farmingville     
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    No one has the power to define morality. To think so is delusional.
     -- warren, olathe     
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    Robert is spot on - again. Warren is as well.

    We all define our own 'morality' insofar as there is such a thing outside of our own ego.
     -- anonymous     
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    No one has the power to define morality but some folks think they do. We wouldn't have horrors such as the War on Drugs unless we have leftover vestiges of morality from the witch burning days.
     -- jim k, Austin, Tx     
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    anonymous above is correct, sorta. Morality is a word of art. My above reference was to that definition that derives from natural law. Morality can not lawfully be legislated; only the law can be legislated (a code, ordinance, regulation, rule, statute, etc. becomes a mere definition of law, not the law itself) When the artful term 'morality' is legislated, despotism and tyranny result. When legislation most closely defines law, it is moral.

    Bruce, I begged no question while, you made a giant - off topic leap and incorrect assumption / assertion. My statement of: "forced extraction of the noble laborer's fruits" is not performed by all 50 states nor, was it inflicted upon We The People as a nation until 1913. The de jure U.S.A. became one of the most prosperous, free and charitable people ever known to history without the enslaving larceny. No organized body, such as government, can continue without financial where-with-all. There are lawful taxes outside "voluntary contributions". My above comment did not reference or infer a voluntary contribution.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    Morality is already defined ! But for those that would frame mischief in a law they would beg to differ with that which good is. Agathos, being good in its character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect. Good trees bring forth good fruit. Corrupt trees bring forth evil fruit. Kalos, Good, excellent in it nature and characteristics. Beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy ; morally good, noble or honourable , conferring honour which effects the mind agreeably , comforting and confirming. An honest ( Kalos ) heart and (Agathos ) good heart.
    Should we continue any further. To say it is not well defined insults common sense.
    The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
    Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction ; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
    As King Solomon says.
     -- watchman 13, USA     
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    A free society and a republican form of government is founded upon the conscience of individuals. At the voting booth, in the jury box, as well as choosing whom to extend charity, our codes of ethics and honor, when to make war, and how to make peace. Morality cannot be legislated -- it is a matter of the heart and there is no avoiding the responsibility or the consequences. Thump your Bibles if you wish, but all have the right and duty to separate the seed from the chaff according to one's own conscience. Presuming to speak for a deity is the height of arrogance and self-righteousness -- and in fact is as un-Christian as you can get.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    Archer, if it were self righteous its not worth doing. But if you be called to the charge it is your responsibility. Conscience, I will send the comforter, and he will convict the world of sin, judgment and righteousness. No person is excluded from this presence of the spirit of truth ! the Holy Spirit of Truth.!!
     -- watchman 13, USA     
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    I will ascribe righteousness to my God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As Elihu spake. The author of the oldest book on the planet. He which is perfect in knowledge is with thee. Job, Chapter 36 : 4 thru 9. Read it. It is possible and does continue through time. Arrogance is wondering why somebody else go the prize and you did not.
     -- watchman 13, USA     
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