The Social Contract

There was a story in the paper this week about organized groups of hackers who break into the computer systems of large organizations to steal or alter information. Many people are at risk because their passwords, identifying characteristics and other supposedly secure data are now in the hands of those who see themselves above the law.

The big question debated in an NPR radio interview was whether or not this is a crime. Hello out there - I thought a crime was "an action injurious to the public." Why is cybercrime being treated more like some sort of digital graffiti spree by bored teenagers than the serious threat to property and safety that it is? Why is the "boys will be boys " (with no excuses intended for girls) approach ever tolerated?

Modern peoples have entered into what John Locke called a "social contract" with each other. It is a decision to voluntarily give up some of our own freedom to do entirely as we wish in order to receive the larger benefit of living in a safe and supportive environment. We pledge not to rape women so that we ourselves might not be raped; we agree not to steal from our neighbors in order that our own property will not be threatened. It is in our self interest to create a safe and just society and so we put limits around our own behavior.

At the moment, the fabric of this agreement seems to be fraying. - more emphasis on the "unum" in our national motto than the "pluribus." The individual is so elevated that our ability to live peaceably together is ever harder to achieve. We talk glibly about our "carbon footprint," but neglect to consider the impact of our social footprint as well. How does the way we live affect the lives of those who are our neighbors in the community and the world?

The social footprint includes everything from how loud is the music we play to the demands we make upon the common water supply. All that we do touches the others involved in our social contract in some way. The problem is that many people are leaving bear tracks where bird imprints would be more appropriate.

The two greatest commandments, Jesus said, are to love God and love your neighbor. In other words, we are to walk through life with love. To love is to look over your shoulder at those following behind, to look down at your feet to see who might be beneath them and to look ahead to sweep away obstacles that might be in the path.

Love does not hack into the computers of others. Love remembers that we never walk alone.