Might and Right

Greetings Golfers,

Many years ago, comedian-musician Tom Leher had a great song about misguided military interventionism “ Might makes right until they’ve seen the light”.

It doesn’t have to be about muscle … might can come in many forms. And might can be a good thing. Strength is important … weakness is not an asset.

However, might doesn’t make right. And it’s ugly when it happens. 

Basically, it’s the attitude of a bully. One of my best friends has been described as a “bully hunter” … I think it’s accurate and that he secretly enjoys the compliment.

Obviously, we’re getting into a tricky area. Who decides what is right? 

However, someone who says “Might makes right” is not arguing about what is right … they’re just saying that power dictates what is right. Sort of like people who “cleverly” say the Golden Rule means “whoever has the gold, rules” … usually followed by “and I have the gold”.

Charming.

A close relative just changed jobs … and his announcement on LinkedIn was bombarded with people thanking him for his inspirational leadership. Not thanking him for controlling them with his might and power and gold.

My wife and I watch a long-running tv show that has a variety of writers. Our favorite writer deals really well with reality and the main characters always make their decisions on what is right - not might … and the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law … and they nobly accept the consequences.

Our least favorite writer of the show does the opposite. The main characters choose the letter of the law instead of the spirit of the law.

I’m talking about the same show. Wow. Is this intentional?

Our goal is to do the right thing here at DRGC. It’s not always appreciated or understood. One time I was called a communist because I wouldn’t let a guy buy special privileges. I thought communism meant govt. ownership of private property. 

How about that wonderful saying “The customer is always right”. Ok. I guess if the customer throws a rock through our window that it’s alright. Hmmmm. Sounds like “might makes right” to me.

Treating people fairly is not communism. Capitalism and free markets do not trump morality. I had the legal right to give that bribing customer special treatment. I chose not to because I don’t want to operate like that. Just because something’s legal doesn’t make it right. The legal system is about protecting people’s rights … not about controlling society.

And with freedom … some people will choose to sell-out to the power with the gold.

And, with a loss of freedom - communism - they will use “might to make right”. They’ve taken away the choice from the individual.

These issues get very confusing … whether it’s a government or a business. 

We try to operate DRGC on the idea that people know what is right … and appreciate a place that respects them and expects them to do the right thing. We don’t want to run this place like a police-state.

For example, we leave the cart keys in the carts. People could only pay the green fee and hop on a cart. Obviously it’s the same as stealing … and we think most people don’t steal from us … we trust them.

On that same vein … we’ve decided not to charge neighbors a season-long Trail Fee … but to charge everyone who drives a cart our cart fee … whether it’s one of our carts or theirs. It’s simpler and easier … and fair.

Obviously, people can try to get away with it. But we know … and they know it’s not right. Are we obsessed with this issue? No.

Same with no-shows. That’s a bad deal. We have a short season with a limited amount of tee-times. Those tee-times are golden. We hope people won’t take advantage of us. Is it worth running the whole tee-time system to stop no-shows? Not for us … most people get it. Ironically, some people with the gold and/or might are the worst abusers of our trusting policy (and policies). 

Hmmmm … so being “special” is a license to not do the right thing.

Well, back to Tom Leher “Might makes right until they’ve seen the light”. I’d rather say “Right makes might and will be used (reluctantly) if they don’t see the light”.

Cheers!

Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com