Michele M. post for the week of September 15, 2008

http://www.scnow.com/scp/news/local/grand_strand/article/suspended_atlantic_beach_police_chief_responds_to_allegations/14672/

By now, most Horry County residents are aware of all the troubles that Atlantic Beach has had in their government. First the Mayor and members of that office staff and now the Sheriff for Atlantic Beach. There has also been rampant rumors that, because of all the troubles, Atlantic Beach may be absorbed into North Myrtle Beach or another adjacent city. I find that sad because Atlantic Beach is one of the few Black owned cities on the eastern seaboard.

This story and all related stories that have been going on for this over the past few months are prime examples of how Business Ethics apply to a wide array of the way things are run. Ethics applies to every aspect of our lives. It can be government, business, school, even our actions have some ethical implications. I am a firm believer that if you are doing something that hurts others or taking advantage of priviledges you have, then you will be caught and have to face the consequences. In this light, the Sheriff of Atlantic Beach may have taken advantage of the priviledges he has as an officer. Using the patrol car for other purposes than policing is one example. Alternatively, the interim town manager may be wrong by falsely accusing the Sheriff simply because he wants him out of that position. Only time will tell who is acting unethically and who will be punished for their "wrongdoings."