From Gregory Stock’s The Book of Questions: If you worked for the government and found that the president was committing serious crimes to bring about positive things you both believed in, would you try to expose those crimes? If so, what if you knew your reputation would be destroyed in the process?

Personally, as much as it would pain me, I think I’d have to go public. I know, I know – such a boy scout, right? But I was raised to believe that the ends don’t justify the means, and that no one should be above the law, even if they think they’re working toward some greater good.

Could the president’s crimes maybe, possibly lead to some positive outcomes? Sure, perhaps. But who’s to say where it would end? Once you start rationalizing illegal behavior because the motivations seem noble, it’s a slippery slope. Today it’s a few illicit wiretaps to track down terrorists. Tomorrow it’s suspending elections and installing a dictator for life – you know, to bring about world peace.

Nope, I’ll pass. I think I’d swallow hard, gather my evidence, and take it to the press and Congress, consequences be damned. My conscience and principles are worth more to me than any career or reputation. I’d take a trashed legacy over being remembered as someone who enabled criminal abuses of power.

But hey, that’s just me. I’m sure plenty of readers would make the opposite choice to preserve their position and future rather than rocking the boat. So what would you do in that situation? Sound off in the comments and let me know!

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