[MD] Emergent Consciousness

[Case]

[Arlo]
Interesting. I did not read it like this at all. Maybe, when you put it like
this, it is an example of "honor", putting oneself in possible risk (losing
customers) to perform a duty to "others" (strengthen the community). Hmmm...
Okay, I buy it (although I wouldn't put ol' Geno's actions up there on the
honor-meter with a Marine risking his life to help an injured brother, but
there are always gradations, aren't there?).

But, if you ask me, this is merely pandering to bigotry and xenophobia. Like
how many Philadelphia's speak Italian? How strong is the Italian community
there?
Well, I grew up near there too (spent my formidable years roaming South
Street). And never before has "speaking another language" been mentioned as
"destroying our civilization". Suddenly, following the wave of "Run for the
hills! The immigrants are coming!" rhetoric aimed at solidifying a
xenophobic voting block (fear, fear, fear), now "people who don't speak
English" are going to "destroy our society". Uh huh. Right. Just more
boogeymen. Nothing more. 


[Case]
I was merely looking at the story from the point of view of the question: Is
this "...one example of someone acting 'honorably' that does not imply duty
to others over self."

It would appear that from Vento's point of view he was acting on his duty to
others. I would imagine there are many who would also see his behavior as
self sacrificing.

But I must confess I share Vento's concern. Government and corporate
enabling of the reconstruction of the Tower of Babel in not in the long term
interest of our communities.