Allow

​I do not wish ill on anyone.  But unfortunately, that does not stop others wishing ill on me.
I was thinking this morning about Iran.  They have been hit pretty hard with Covid-19.  The estimate of deaths is three times higher than what the government admits to, and is probably closer to 42,000, rather than the 14,000 the government claims.  It has a Supreme Leader who is Ali Khamenei at this time.  It sees itself as a dominant player in the region and seems to be doing lots in secret, which it denies.
It seems to be the modus operandi of many places these days.  Deny what is obvious and claim “there is nothing to look at here.”  My problem with that is something cannot be solved if it is denied.  There may be consequences, but the thinking seems to be to play by my own rules.
I know a few people who have left the country.  When I asked one why, he said he wanted to be able to make up his own mind rather than to be told what to think.  When thought is not the official government line, there are huge consequences to pay.
That sort of coincides with what I hear about the “moral police.”  They ensure the general populace adheres to the official government line.  They are enforcing what the government stands for.
If I thought this was all there is, I cannot blame people for aligning themselves with power.  It seems all over the world regimes stay in power by aligning themselves with and looking after their power base.  I think of North Korea.  Conditions are abysmal for the general population – but not for those the government needs for staying in power.
It is like they can do what they like with impunity.  I do not like it, but I don’t know that anyone can say with confidence “I wouldn’t do that.”  When I look at people in Germany in world was two and looters everywhere, it seems that the only thing holding many back is consequence.   It seems it can be the only reason I do the right thing, is because I have to.  When I no longer feel I have to, all sorts of anti-social behaviour are possible.
I may be meek and mild.  I may be considered the last person who would do such a thing.  But outward appearances may not reflect what is in my heart.  Deception is not solely the domain of known deceivers.  It may be just I feel restrained.  Then again, I could be meek and mild.  In that case, I would be a victim.
I think, “cut off the head of the serpent to deal with those protected by the serpent.”  Yet if the moral police beat me up, I do not go after the leader, but the one who did it.  My inclination is to seek justice for the one who beat me up.
To me, allowing is one thing.  Doing is another.  To go after the one who allowed something, I need first to establish a wrong has been done.  Established moral authority needs to be good for all and not just some.  If a wrong has been done, all perpetrators are fair game within the rules.