On Children and the "Other" (was:Re: On the perfection of moral virtues)

[lizzyben04]

No: HPFGUIDX 169579

> >>Kemper:
> <snip>
> Voldemort has the right to live, too.  He does not have a right to torture or kill.
> All of them forfeit their right to be when they violate the rights
to be of others... I guess.  I would rather see those who kill/torture lose their right to be living the life they want by living a long, lonely life in a penal system dieing from ennui.

> >>Mike:
> > You "tolerate" anyone who has not wronged you. (I agree with
Betsy's interpretation of the term "tolerate" and how she applied it versus "appreciate"). If you have no reasonable grounds to oppose the other, you follow the Golden Rule. Once you've been wronged, your response should be measured by what degree that wrong against you rose to. Again, all my opinion.

lizzyben04:
See, this is where I disagree, & this is my fundamental problem with
the series. Under a real system of laws, EVERYONE is entitled to
fairness, respect, rights and tolerance. Everyone is protected by
those laws, and they should be applied equally and without
prejudice. That's the fundamental basis of our democracy, and our
Constitution. "All men are created equal, all endowed with the right
to life, liberty & happiness..."

The problem is, these fundamental rights don't appear to exist in the Wizarding World. Inequality runs rampant, punishment is arbitrary & biased, and corruption is systemic. There is no real justice. And where there is no system of laws, no system of justice, power becomes the only thing that matters. Both Dumbledore & Voldemort exemplify this philosophy.

Laws don't matter to either, because the Ministry is so corrupt that its laws become meaningless. Elves, goblins, other groups that are
denied equality will always look for opportunities to get it back.
People who are unhappy with the Ministry will still form their
own "clubs" & "armies", as Dumbledore & Slughorn did, eventually
either furthering the corruption or taking over the Ministry.

Even if Harry manages to defeat Voldemort, another Dark Lord will
probably rise 10-20 years later. The system almost demands it.
Unless the "wizarding system" changes, I'm not sure that the "evil"
will ever really go away.

lizzyben04