Mt. Moral High Ground

Not the right mountain to climb, in my opinion. It’s better to climb Mount Ethical High Ground, instead.

AI generated image of ‘mountain’

I have recently been thinking, researching and writing about acts of violence; especially in relation to how the concepts and practices of professional Emergency Management can be implemented to make a positive difference. Simply put – these threats and hazards cannot be missioned against solely by law enforcement officials (LEOs). In my opinion, there are so many incident management aspects to any incidents which involve violence, that they are not limited to being managed through law enforcement command alone. The typical LEO siloed view – even amongst their own enlightened and educated – tends to prioritize ‘might makes right’ as a precept. You bring a knife; we bring a gun. You bring a gun; we bring bigger and more guns. As the saying goes, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, leaves everyone toothless and blind.”

The full Emergency Management cycle (Preparedness/Prevention/Protection, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation) for acts of violence continues to be quite Response heavy. Professionals in all allied fields must follow what they are legally responsible and required to do, and they also choose to do what is ethically correct, and possibly morally sound, as well. I see a distinct difference between ethics and morals, especially for professional Emergency Managers.

I also think that Emergency Management can - and must - claim a spot on the peak of that mountain which I call ‘Ethical High Ground’, as I believe the safest and most effective path to travel up – and back down - that mountain is our professional path: from the ‘base camp’ of protecting life safety (Emergency Management’s version of a ‘Prime Directive’ – our professional and ethical compass), through the crests and slopes of Resiliency and straight up to the summit which prevents and protects against such violence and promotes peace. Professional Emergency Managers are akin to the sherpas on this journey, so to speak.

---

Use the button above for a special discount (expires 3/30/25) on paid subscriptions, so you can view more of this article and other paid subscriber content on the CEMIR’s Substack.

---