Anakin Skywalker (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sith_happened) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fandomhigh2017-03-31 03:31 pm
sith_happened) wrote in fandomhigh2017-03-31 03:31 pm
Practical Diplomacy, Friday, March 31, 2017
"We had considered a frank discussion about what to do when your institutions seem intent on frustrating your efforts to improve... a variety of things," Obi-Wan began. "However, considering recent news, we thought it would be prudent to explain a matter one would think was rather obvious. And yet so many in power are quick to forget it."
"Operating ethically isn't a choice you make," Anakin said, looking disgusted. "You don't get points for not being a weasel. Any government worthy of the name has vast regulations and laws in place to make sure you aren't robbing your people blind while you are in power."
"But those regulations and laws frequently assume that someone is already at least somewhat inclined to act in the public interest," Obi-Wan said. "And at least once every generation, that trust is entirely destroyed. Which leaves one to wonder - must our rules grow tighter, or our judgment improve?"
"Or both?" Anakin suggested. "Hope for the best, legislate for the worst."
"Perhaps some common-sense rules," Obi-Wan said, "Such as 'not paying your daughter does not make it not be nepotism'."
"'Or your son-in-law, who no one elected either,'" Anakin added. He shrugged. "Different countries or planets have different rules and if you're under a monarchy where nepotism is expected, that's something else. But in a democracy...no."
"How one handles such a situation from the outside... well, there are a variety of options," Obi-Wan said, "Which you are encouraged to discuss. Until such time, though..."
He dropped a stack of papers on the table. "Here's an info flimsi on nepotism."
The table groaned under the weight and Anakin smirked. "And that's just for this one government on this one planet."
"You may begin discussion once you finish reading it." No one was going to finish reading it in time.
"Operating ethically isn't a choice you make," Anakin said, looking disgusted. "You don't get points for not being a weasel. Any government worthy of the name has vast regulations and laws in place to make sure you aren't robbing your people blind while you are in power."
"But those regulations and laws frequently assume that someone is already at least somewhat inclined to act in the public interest," Obi-Wan said. "And at least once every generation, that trust is entirely destroyed. Which leaves one to wonder - must our rules grow tighter, or our judgment improve?"
"Or both?" Anakin suggested. "Hope for the best, legislate for the worst."
"Perhaps some common-sense rules," Obi-Wan said, "Such as 'not paying your daughter does not make it not be nepotism'."
"'Or your son-in-law, who no one elected either,'" Anakin added. He shrugged. "Different countries or planets have different rules and if you're under a monarchy where nepotism is expected, that's something else. But in a democracy...no."
"How one handles such a situation from the outside... well, there are a variety of options," Obi-Wan said, "Which you are encouraged to discuss. Until such time, though..."
He dropped a stack of papers on the table. "Here's an info flimsi on nepotism."
The table groaned under the weight and Anakin smirked. "And that's just for this one government on this one planet."
"You may begin discussion once you finish reading it." No one was going to finish reading it in time.