[MD] Unreality of Equality

[Platt Holden]

{Arlo}
>My point is that the inherent value of the individual is, at the core,
>equal for all people (no one possesses superior potentiality). On
>the different MOQ levels, of course, people actualize their potential 
>in various degrees.

To say all people have equal potential and to conclude from that they 
have equal moral value is a non sequitur. Moral value is judged on the 
basis of behavior, not potential. A deadly germ has the potential of 
mutating into a benign or even beneficial form, but we don't give it 
moral value on that account. Likewise, a terrorist has the potential of 
reforming into a model citizen, but should we allow him to continue   
killing before that potential is realized? No,  terrorists must be 
limited or destroyed, as Pirsig said, ". . . with complete moral 
ruthlessness, the way a doctor destroys germs, before those biological 
patterns destroy civilization itself." If the terrorist is captured, 
then the moral question of whether to invoke capital punishment or not 
comes into play. But until then while he is still on the loose, his 
moral value is no better than than of a deadly germ. That's the message 
I get from applying the MOQ to current experience.  

But, I'm pleased to see Arlo focusing on the intellectual and DQ values 
of the individual instead, as is his usual focus, on the social values 
of government. :-)

Platt