Good and Evil
By Danny Watson, City of Darlington Chief of Police
Every soul battles with good and evil every day of its existence. Acting or choosing not to act can be very good or equally as evil depending upon the situation. Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”. I agree with this quote completely. In much the same way that I agree with the quote from Invictus, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul”. I would never compare myself to such deep thinkers as Burke and Henley. These two quotes do have a resounding theme in them. It is a theme of choice, it so plain that even I can find it in these words.
What place seeks to embrace turmoil or strife? Don’t communities seek to embrace peace and tranquility? Don’t people in communities seek to live in safety and security? The cost of living in such a bastion of tranquility comes at a cost however. Is it the cost of the rent in such areas I am referring to? In no way am I referring to the cost of the rent. I am writing about the personal cost of living in such a place and choosing to keep it that way. Regardless of what you believe it is a choice. It can’t be made by a single person but it can be started by one.
People who would invade neighborhoods to do evil things are most often recognizable as strangers. The look out of place and do not belong there. Strangers are often just friends that you have not made the acquaintance of yet. Being open and friendly have nothing to do with foolish however. When they appear we should take notice of them. We should make our neighbors aware of them. We should make the authorities aware of them. If they are not doing anything wrong they should have no fear from authority.
Romans 13:3, “Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.”
Even if you believe in nothing, surely you know that no man or woman stands alone. It just seems that out of self-preservation that you’d wish to stop the progress of evil. Yesterday it was your neighbor and today it could very well be you. These words are not to embarrass nor are they intended to offend. They are simply intended to make you think carefully about on what side of the battle you wish to be on. Is it evil to stand by and do nothing when the sky is falling? No one is asking that you take up the sword and shield to do battle. It is simply a request to compel you to think about what is at risk when we choose to stand by and do nothing. We can’t be everywhere at once. If everyone stands with us, it can sure seem like we are everywhere at once though. So are you the Master of your Fate or will you stand by and do nothing?
Chief Danny Watson MPA FBI NA # 228, Chief of Police for City of Darlington, has been on the Darlington Police Department since 1994 and Chief since 2011.You can keep up with the department on their Facebook page: Darlington Police Department.
