Friday, January 22, 2010

Cruises to Haiti Ethical?

Issues have been raised about certain cruise lines continuing trip stops at areas in Haiti unaffected by the earthquake but near the affected area where thousands of people already have died.

This article in CNN presents the sides of those against the cruise stops as well as the defense of the Company that operates the cruise.

To what extent are we, as moral beings, supposed to share in the sufferings of others? Are we even obligated to? Is it wrong to enjoy what we have worked for while others are suffering? What if we've donated something in cash or kind already - can we then enjoy what we have without guilt?

Isn't this a case of "misery loves demands company"?
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5 comments:

  1. Kansas BobJanuary 25, 2010 at 5:42 AM

    "misery demands company" - well said Rygel.

    My thinking is that I always want to see people do well in life regardless of the misery that I may be experiencing. At the same time I want friends that I can share with and encourage me when I am down.

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  2. RygelJanuary 25, 2010 at 8:48 AM

    What if you're doing well but those around aren't - would you feel good about it?

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  3. Kansas BobJanuary 26, 2010 at 6:50 AM

    I know a few people that are out of work.. I feel bad for them but it doesn't make me feel bad that I am retired. In the same way I think that they do not feel bad that they do not have arthritis the way that I do.

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  4. RygelJanuary 26, 2010 at 2:09 PM

    I'm just confused by the issue of cruises to Haiti and its similar to so many things we encounter although not on the same level. Would you continue the cruise if you already had a ticket before the earthquake?

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  5. Kansas BobJanuary 27, 2010 at 7:21 AM

    I think that those tickets are nonrefundable.. not sure what I would do but think that it would be difficult to throw them away after spending thousand of dollars on the cruise and the airfare to get to the port.

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