Let’s begin with 2 examples (I promise to quickly get to the point)…
Example #1: Years ago I was driving across the interstate in a state which was not my own, when I noticed two police cars parked off on the upcoming shoulder. No other traffic was near nor behind me. I slowed down and moved over in my lane, but while I hugged the dotted white line, I did not physically move my car into the other lane.
Within moments, one of the two squad cars hailed me down with those sick-to-your-stomach, bright flashing lights. When the officer first arrived at my car, asking for my license and registration, he also asked if I knew what I did wrong. I honestly said, “No.” He then said, “You failed to move over into the other lane.” I agreed — being ignorant at the time of which states had that law — as all 50 states did not. I sincerely appealed, saying, “Sir, I slowed down. I moved over. I made sure not to get close to you.” He did not care; he correctly repeated that I “failed to move over into the other lane.”
In other words, a rule was passed to protect emergency personnel on the side of the road. I moved over with the intent to protect the men, but because I broke the actual written words of the law, my intent did not matter. I was fined $300 and given a mandatory court appearance multiple states away. My intent did not affect the consequence.
Example #2: (involving one a little more noteworthy than moi) Last week the University of Florida’s starting QB, Will Grier, tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. (Note: for full disclosure, the Intramuralist is a blossoming Florida fan. 🙂 ) According to Gator coach Jim McElwain, Grier took an over-the-counter supplement that included a banned NCAA substance.
Two weeks ago, witnesses raved about Grier because he played on game day, having the flu — still performing solidly; nine Gators total were diagnosed with the flu that game. Grier remorsefully said this week that the over-the-counter drug he took was in response to being sick and trying to play. Such was not allowed.
In other words, a rule exists that bans performance-enhancing drugs in college athletics. Grier unknowingly took a banned substance with the intent to make it through the game — not to get an advantage on all other players. But again, his intent did not matter. Grier has been suspended an entire calendar year by the NCAA.
(Assuming Will Grier is telling the truth) Grier and I received the same consequences that would be given to anyone else who willfully and purposefully broke the law.
The point, therefore, of today’s post is not to compare moi to such a talented, increasingly accomplished athlete (although selfishly speaking, that is kind of fun). My point is that intent should matter. And intent should be considered in the administration of consequences…
What was the accused attempting to do?
What was their motive?
Were they attempting to deceive?
Were they intending to skirt the law?
Were they trying to illegally benefit?
Was there something to hide?
Why to each of the above?
This question goes far beyond me and Will Grier. It goes far beyond the breaking of law. It’s also the underlying question behind Donald Trump’s candidacy and Hillary Clinton’s emails. It’s the same question behind George W.’s never-found weapons of mass destruction and Obama’s “if you like your healthcare, you can keep it.” It’s even at the root of last year’s NFL “Deflategate” brouhaha and other ambiguous sport controversies.
In each of the above — be it their mistake, mistreatment, mistruth, or actual rule-breaking — the intent matters. Their motive matters… was it innocent or intentional? And if intentional, why?
I must admit it was a painful day, sending that $300 check away. It’s far more fun comparing myself to a star athlete.
Respectfully…
AR