Perspective

I have befriended a Pakistani gentleman in a nearby business and stop in occasionally to discuss his native country and the current political changes taking place there. Yesterday, in the context of law enforcement corruption in Pakistan, he told me of a recent experience at Dulles Airport.

He had dropped off a relative for a flight to Pakistan and while still in the drop off lanes, discovered that the flight had been cancelled. His relative was told that he might be able to catch a flight out of Dulles that same day. The relative then offered to drive there since he knew the way and took the keys from my friend.

Just then, an airport worker called the relative over, keys in hand, to tell him that they had reserved a seat on a flight leaving from Dulles in 40 minutes. Meanwhile, airport police came over and asked my friend to move his car. He told the police that his relative, who was nearby, had the keys. The police officer then issued a $40 ticket for this violation of departure lane protocol. The fact that the Airport Authority was the cause of the delay in moving the vehicle did not sway the officer.

Now, most Americans would be filled with indignation at this sort of injustice, but my friend, although intending to protest the ticket, is actually happy that the police officer carried out his duty. In his own country, a bribe would have been commonplace and justice arbitrary.

Political theory becomes concrete in these situations. In the United States, we take it for granted that the higher authority that we feel a sense of obedience to is essentially just. It is because of this that we obey rules even when there is no chance of getting caught breaking them. (Would you run a red light at a deserted intersection?) If we felt that enforcement of the rules was regularly unjust, how would that affect order in society? We don't have to look too far to see the answer.