A Double Standard

At the GNU Public Dictatorship we are nothing if not advocates for equal rights.  We have proven our dedication many times, especially earlier this year when we helped to heal a schism that threatened to divide our supporters into human and non-human camps.  While we believe in equal rights for all, we also believe in equal consequences for all.  In this recent incident the bear who (1) illegally entered the chocolate establishment after hours not once but seven times and (2) looted the store, we would have expected the shop keeper to be angry at the violation of her store.  Interestingly, however, she appears to hold bears less accountable than humans, and instead of being angry at the bear or suing it for compensation, she laughs it off.  While we at the GPD are nothing if not merciful, we find it a little bit disturbing that the shop keeper expects so little of her bear customers when compared with humans.  She likely would have pursued criminal charges against a human who entered the store illegally and took that much food, so why does she laugh when a bear does it?  Part of what's wrong with the status quo is that too many people expect too little of others.  We cannot form a strong, unified, New Future if all supporters aren't willing to pull their weight, and if we don't expect others to behave civilly they will probably live up (down?) to our expectations.

Don't get us wrong, we don't think she should have necessarily pressed charges, but we do think she should have talked to the bear and explained to it that it had violated the law and that more was expected of it.  If the bear never realizes the gravity of its actions, it is unlikely to change for the better.

Update: Our operatives have found the bear and explained to it that it should not act in this way in the future. The bear has promised to do better next time and to attend local GPD bear meetings regularly in exchange for a job (security guard at the local GPD County Office) that will allow him to purchase chocolate occasionally.