Ethics in a Minor Key, #1

[Harry Tic]

I'd be interested in calling upon the collective wisdom of CUF CS in helping to resolve minor ethical dilemmas from time to time. (my understanding is that this is a big thing in applied ethics now: data-driven approaches to the big (and small) questions).

By the way: the question refers to BATHROOM stalls, not PARKING stalls.

[Harry Tic]

Re: this particular question. It had never occurred to me that the handicapped stalls were off limits, provided no one handicapped was around. A colleague called me on it. Have I been guilty of gross negligence all these years?

[PaloAltoCougar]

Bring it. I'm always bugged by the hymn lyric "There's the right and the wrong to ev'ry question." I don't believe that, at least not without applying some lawyer-like mental gymnastics. But with that caveat, I'm sure that dozens of board members, working together, can come up with an answer that one wise and qualified ethicist would produce.

As to your first question, I've faced that many times when I see multiple empty handicapped slots. But just when I'm about to take advantage, and am mentally rehearsing the severe limp I would affect as I move away from my illegally parked car, I imagine a sudden swarm of cars with handicapped stickers pulling up, each driven by an old lady in extremis. Outraged by my lawlessness, onlookers go all George Costanza on my car (that was an ugly Seinfeld episode) and the temptation abates. Don't do it.

Edit: Whoops, I thought (well, in what passes for thought at my age) this was a reference to parking stalls, not crappers. I endorse the use of handicapped toilets as I assume the sign isn't restrictive, but merely indicates it's wheelchair accessible. Since it's not going to be occupied briefly (except for those sorely in need of more fiber), it doesn't inconvenience anyone. Take it.

[CardiacCoug]

If more than one stall is available then you take the regular stall in case a handicapped person comes in and wants the handicapped stall. If the only vacant stall is the handicapped one then I think you go ahead and use it. No reason to wait to go if there is no handicapped person around.

Same applies to taking the short urinal. You only use it if every other urinal is taken in case a kid comes in when you're peeing and needs it.

[YOhio]

[Harry Tic]

Paging Lebowski! Come to think of it, this thread should probably be bumped to the Back Fence. I'll resist the temptation to say that all the stalls in the Back Fence were filled and so I was obliged to use the Water Cooler to post this poll. :flush:

[PaloAltoCougar]

Paging Lebowski! Come to think of it, this thread should probably be bumped to the Back Fence. I'll resist the temptation to say that all the stalls in the Back Fence were filled and so I was obliged to use the Water Cooler to post this poll. :flush:

Done.

[il Padrino Ute]

In a world that is striving for equality in all things, I say make 'em wait.

[wuapinmon]

I always use the handicapped stall. Always. If anyone called me on it, I'd tell them to mind their own &^%$^&* business.

[hostile]

[youtube]hkQQGsOegv0[/youtube]

[Jeff Lebowski]

I always use the handicap stall if it is available. Always.

[Donuthole]

I always use the handicapped stall. Always. If anyone called me on it, I'd tell them to mind their own &^%$^&* business.

This. Also, I don't want splatter from someone at the urinal hitting my feet/pants while I'm dropping deux.

[Surfah]

This. Also, I don't want splatter from someone at the urinal hitting my feet/pants while I'm dropping deux.

This thread makes me miss DDD.

I voted never because I thought we were talking about parking stalls initially. I always use the handicap stall. Always. If it is occupied I'll find another restroom or wait. And by wait, I mean long enough for the warmth of the seat to dissipate.

[Moliere]

I only use the handicap stall if I'm taking one of my kids to the bathroom because the space is nice. Otherwise I use whatever stall is the cleanest. I try to avoid the stall that everyone else uses.

[YOhio]

And by wait, I mean long enough for the warmth of the seat to dissipate.

lol. That's the worst.