Sometimes in life things happen that seem to defy logic, yet that may be a sign

Question

Sometimes in life things happen that seem to defy logic, yet that may be a sign of the times we are living in today. Please read the following story to answer the question:

On October 15, 2009, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the parents of a six-year-old boy, Falcon Heene, claimed that he had floated away in a homemade helium balloon that was shaped to resemble a silver flying saucer. Some in the media referred to the incident as "Balloon Boy." The authorities closed down Denver International Airport, called in the National Guard, and a police pursuit ensued. After an hour-long flight that covered more than 50 miles across three counties, the empty balloon was found near the airport. It was later determined that the boy was hiding in the house all along in an incident that was a hoax and motivated by publicity that might lead to a reality television show. The authorities blamed the father, Richard, for the incident and decided to prosecute him. Richard Heene pleaded guilty on November 13, 2009, to the felony count of falsely influencing authorities. He pleaded to protect his wife, Mayumi, a Japanese citizen, whom he believed may have been deported if Richard was convicted of a more serious crime. Richard also agreed to pay $36,000 in restitution.

Identify the stakeholders and how they were affected by Heene's actions? What stage of moral reasoning is exhibited by Richard Heene's actions? Do you believe the punishment fit the crime? In other words, was justice done in this case? Why or why not?

Explanation / Answer

Stakeholders of the airport that were affected by Heene's action:

1. Customers 2.Investors. 3.Shareholders.

How? Lets see

i) Customers: Denver airport was cancelled which must have delayed some of the flights. So customers' time and money was wasted.

ii) Shareholders and Investors: Shares must have gone down of the aviation comapny associated to the airport. This caused losses to the airport and the company's also. Their goodwill also amortized.

There are three levels of moral reasoning :

1. Preconventional 2. Conventional 3. Post-conventional.

I think conventional level of reasoning is exhibited by his actions. Because his actions didnt obey the rules and law of the country. And also didnt think about implications of his actions on the society.

I think the punishment fits the crime as i believe that richard's actions didnt harm anyone physically. And he hasnt done something which cant be restored. So justice was done.

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