Daily Archives: June 6, 2020

I need some help here, is COVID-19 over and I missed the memo?

Just one short week ago, I shared a perspective on high school graduation and the sadness felt for the Class of 2020 (aka the class of COVID-19). Yet somehow in a time when mass gatherings are impermissible, I woke Monday morning to news reports filled with images of protests (peaceful and otherwise), as well as a mob mentality of looting, unlawfulness and just plain hate.

But were still afraid of COVID ... right?

Now please dont misunderstand; this is not in any way shape or form intended to be a tongue in cheek piece taking lightly the death of George Floyd. There is no question that there was injustice taken at the hands of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin whos responsible for the death of Floyd.

For those who have missed it, the behavior of this former officer is not being celebrated by anyone. In fact he has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Hes no hero.

The reality of all this is there are bad cops. Fortunately I happen to know personally there are a lot of good cops as well. Law enforcement (most especially in this day and age) is not a profession for the thin skinned or the weak. Unlike the firefighter, the police officer is rarely celebrated as they do their job in a role of protect and serve. Do some take it to an extreme and perhaps do an injustice to the badge? Indeed they do, Chauvin is a poster child for such a thought.

But heres the thing, just as there are bad cops, there are also good and bad teachers; good and bad politicians; even good and bad journalists. In short, we are speaking of humans and amidst all of this my stomach flips as I wonder where is the justice in all of this and what has become of our humanity.

As I type this, I hear critics via the news, shame the media for showing the looters via the peaceful protestors. Now, thats really rich. So, lets take the attention away from the reality of people (less than six feet apart) shutting down freeways as they walk in protest? Or loot businesses who are likely already weeks from closing thanks to COVID-19 and lets blame the media for documenting whats happening in real time, just as someone did as George Floyds life was being taken.

Im just so confused.

Regardless of political party I have yet to hear a single person say Floyds death was justified or even accepted. Yet here we are, living yet another bad movie.

I didnt know Floyd and in complete honesty have yet to Google and read, who was George Floyd because for me in this moment those facts arent necessary. The fact which boggles my mind the most is, would this be the legacy Floyd and his family would want left in the days following his death?

Police cars being burned, National Guard soldiers on the buildings of police departments preventing violence, business owners being trampled and beaten by looters is this what weve now come to as a country?

For those standing up for racial injustice, I see you and hear you. Unfortunately and sadly, your voice has become muffled by the looter, the hateful and the fact that We are still living in the world of COVID-19 and I have yet to see a protest (peaceful or otherwise) spaced six feet apart.

To my friends who are small business owners who have struggled for months to feed their families, Im sorry. To the students robbed of the end of year festivities and most important graduations, Im sorry. To the families who are counting the days until they can reunite and hug/love their loved ones, Im sorry.

My heart breaks today as I watch what I have seen so many times before, as the silent majority we scratch our heads. We follow the rules, we work hard, we raise our children with respect and grit, we embody the Golden Rule, yet we turn on our televisions and view hate, mayhem and mass injustice. This does not honor a life, this is all creating a bigger divide which I feel has little to do with color and everything to do with humanity and peace. God help us all.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.

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Law And Justice? - Escalon Times

The coronavirus has changed the world as we knew it. Our hearts go out to those who have lost a loved one or who have been badly affected through this time. From an economic standpoint, this year will be remembered as one of the greatest reversals of a strong economy ever recorded. We are seeing record unemployment and all that goes along with trying to squelch this very contagious COVID-19. Airlines are stalled, oil consumption has fallen dramatically, restaurants are closed, and people are wearing masks and gloves, washing their hands as often as doctors.

While no one knows the date this economic situation will end, I predict the world will change and become a vibrant economy again. I believe in American and human ingenuity and in the entrepreneurial spirit that abides in so many Americans and business owners around the country.

With states beginning to reopen, what can you do now that will springboard your business back to life? What can you do that would be productive and valuable to your launch in the coming economic recovery?

My answer is simple, age-old and proven: You can start networking. We can commit to helping one another. The best, most direct way you can do this is through referral networking. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind.

Put your referral networking on steroids. One way to do this is to build a referral circle of non-competitive business people who are focused on the ideals of the Golden Rule; that is, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Create a referral circle, an accountable process for yourself, by giving a minimum of one referral each month to someone in your circleand you will receive the same. Referral Book has a great system of education on being the best Circle Builder and Circle Member through its Referral U learning management system.

Create a culture of giving first. By operating under a giving-first mindset, you have no immediate expectation of receiving. The Law of Reciprocity ensures that if you give first, and give often, good things, such as business opportunities and referrals, will come back your way many times. Culture is very important to Referral Book.

Connect with a referral partner that puts you first. Connect with a partner that allows free membership and pays you as you build your circle. Get paid to prospect! Referral Book is free to join, and for half of the first year, the Circle Member fee will be paid to you as a Circle Builder. The real win as you build 30 or 40 referral Circle Members is many years of referrals.

We like to call this living the referral lifestyle. You will have many business owners out bird dogging for business for you, and you will constantly be looking out to send them business, creating a lifestyle based upon giving to others that will have you waking up each day with confidence that your team will find new opportunities for you.

We hope you are staying safe as we look toward the future and our emerging businesses on the other side of this crisis. Referral Book is here to help. Visit http://www.Referralbook.com for more information.

Todd Swicegood is the founder of Referralbook.com and author of The Golden Rule of Referral Networking.

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After the Shutdown: Growing Your Business Through Referrals as States Reopen - RisMedia.com

From June 15, it will be compulsory to cover your face on public transport. Announcing the new rule at the Downing Street press conference, Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, was at pains to distinguish between face masks and face coverings, explaining that only the latter would be mandatory and that clinical masks were only necessary in a health care setting. There are concerns about shortages of surgical masks for NHS and care staff. Nevertheless, the great majority of travellers will wear masks of some kind. Enforcement will be carried out by police, but transport staff will refuse entry to passengers who fail to cover up. The experience of using buses, trains, tubes, trams, ferries and aircraft will be transformed.

The British have no love of face masks. Unlike some East Asian nations, who wear them even in normal times, we have hitherto resisted any compulsion. The evidence that they reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus is thin. Yet other European countries, notably Germany, have already made facial coverings mandatory on public transport and some, such as Spain, require them in all public places.

Masks confer little or no protection on the wearer; the benefits, if any, are almost entirely for those in their vicinity. The public health argument is therefore an altruistic one: we must do this for the sake of others. Whether we comply will depend on how well we know and abide by what has become known in the field of ethics as the golden rule. In the Hebrew Bible, this takes the form: love your neighbour as yourself. In St Matthews Gospel, Jesus gives the injunction as: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. All the world religions express the golden rule in one form or another, usually as a divine commandment.

In secular form, the rule is often formulated as an ethic of reciprocity: wear a face mask to protect others so that they will do the same for you. From a political or legal perspective, the justification is utilitarian: the greatest good of the greatest number. As Jeremy Bentham put it, the business of government is to promote the happiness of society, by punishing and rewarding. Punishing those who spread Covid-19 conduces to the happiness of society, even though the risk of any individual doing so is small.

Historically, many societies have required women to cover their faces for reasons of modesty; some, notably in Islamic countries, still do. A minority of European Muslim women wear the niquab, which may leave only the eyes visible. Such veiling of the face has provoked resistance in non-Muslim societies; in France, for example, the law requires that the face must be visible in public places. But in the West, too, veils used to be common in church and are still frequently worn by brides. Some veils, such as the Spanish mantilla, tend to enhance rather than obscure feminine beauty; their purpose is often to attract rather than deter the attention of the opposite sex. This is less true of sunglasses, which hide the most important part of the face. It is no accident that so much trouble is often taken with eye makeup and that some spectacles are so costly. One of the reasons many people dislike face masks is that they make our glasses steam up.

If eyes are windows into our souls, it is good that they wont be concealed by the facial coverings that will become the norm on public transport. When surrounded by strangers, being able to look at their eyes is important. In future, it will be harder for transport police to identify thieves and other criminals on CCTV because their faces will be only partly visible. That is one of many drawbacks that ministers must be presumed to have weighed carefully before reaching their decision to impose facial coverings by law.

Comparisons have been drawn with the ban on alcohol on some forms of public transport, but this is a much more far-reaching measure. Whether it succeeds will depend on the public: British policing can only be by consent. The golden rule cuts both ways: we wont do for others what they fail to do for us. Like most things in life, a little courtesy will go a long way to making this burden less onerous. Masking up is unlikely to become permanent; and any restriction is tolerable as long as it is temporary. The benefits are as likely to be as much psychological as medical: they will make people feel safer. This is important: having frightened us off public transport, in due course the authorities may have to encourage us to use it again. The motto might be: have mask, will travel. Bon voyage!

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Have mask, will travel: a brief history of facial coverings - TheArticle

JCPenneys decision to pull up stakes in Salem follows national trends of retailers closing stores. Considered an anchor store in downtown, the city is now looking at how to fill the void itll leave.

Downtown Salem. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter)

The city of Salem is now pondering what to do with a big empty space in downtown after JCPenney announced Thursday that it would end its run in the city as part of a nationwide closure of 154 stores.

The closures follow the retailer filing for bankruptcy in May. The company indicated in a statement on its website that the decision was made after analysis of store performance and its retail footprint. Store closing sales for the announced locations are expected to take 10 to 16 weeks to complete, the company said.

The company set up shop in Salem in 1917 and later became part of a constellation of major national retailers that anchored Salem Center.

JCPenneys Salem location is part of the Salem Center mall, at 305 Liberty St N.E. Although retailers have been allowed to reopen as part of a relaxing of COVID-19, the store is currently temporarily closed.

Urban Development Director Kristin Retherford said the city will explore all the options it has to help recruit a new tenant or repurpose the building.

This is a large building in a key downtown location, and it will be unfortunate to have it empty for a period of time, she said in an email.

Hazel Patton, the interim executive director of the Salem Main Street Association, said that JCPenney has served as an anchor store for downtown. She explained that anchor stores have a strong reputation and attract a variety of people to downtown who then patronize other businesses.

Patton said the retail value of the store cant be replaced. But she said that the Salem Main Street Association will be holding celebratory events in the winter to encourage people to come downtown.

I think its sad and Im sorry that they are leaving Salem, said

Nationally, retailers have been closing locations as more shoppers move online and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Macys also announced in February that it will similarly begin closing 125 stores. Its not clear if the retailers Salem location will be included in the closures. Macys didnt respond to a request for comment.

In 2018, Salem saw a national retailer leave when Nordstrom pulled out.

News of the stores demise elicited sad and nostalgic reactions on social media with residents recalling shopping at the store for sometimes decades. Others responded with indifference, noting that much of retail has shifted online.

I learned about retail and customer service at that store, starting in the catalog department, makes me sad to see it go but the bonds I formed there are still strong and it's the people I will remember, said Linda Parker on Facebook.

What memory don't I have there(?) said Kimberly Dwyer on Facebook. Seriously though. From Christmas time to Work clothes to back to school shopping.

I havent been to the store for years, but it is still sad to see it go, said Susann Kaltwasser on Facebook. Lets face it, retail is changing world-wide. Be interesting to see what takes its place.

Old newspaper clippings show the store was popular enough to warrant multiple remodels and eventually a new building.

A December 1916 article in the Statesman Journal said preliminary work had begun on a JCPenney syndicate store, The Golden Rule.

It will be one story high of light, pressed brick with double entrance and vestibule, the article said.

In 1940, the areas merchandiser on 160 Liberty St. N. was touted as the most modern Penney store.

News of the stores grand opening filled the front page of the Nov. 13, 1940 edition of the Capital Journal.

The store had three floors and was streamlined throughout the interior, generously lighted and equipped with new counters and cabinets of blond maple, according to an article in the Capital Journal.

In 1965, Salem opened a new JCPenney store at northeast Liberty and Chemeketa Streets that would later become one of the anchors of Salem Center along with the Meier and Frank Department store, now a Macys.

At the time, the store manager said he was pleased to see throngs of people moving through the stores three levels of merchandise, according to a Statesman Journal article on Jan. 7, 1965.

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Salem will have another big, empty building in downtown after JCPenney announces departure - Salem Reporter

Journalists are often asked questions in the mistaken belief they understand things. We dont. We may have a lot of information at our fingertips after all, thats a key requirement of our job but understanding is a different matter. So, I was at a bit of a loss when asked what I consider the weakness in Indias response to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

There are many answers. Declaring a lockdown without enough warning is one, failing to respond swiftly or adequately to the trauma of migrant workers is another. Repeatedly stressing social distancing and hand-washing when thats virtually impossible for many people in slums is a third. However, the one Ive picked may not be as important, but it hasnt got the attention it deserves.

Im talking of the information given at press conferences, which used to be daily, but have become less frequent. First, the statistics thrust at us to give comfort and reassurance. What do they amount to? If the media had questioned them, they would have been revealed to be meaningless.

For instance, a lot of stress was put on the improving recovery rate which is now above 48%. But Italy with 33,774 deaths has a recovery rate of 70% and Spains with 27,134 deaths is 69. So clearly a high recovery rate doesnt rule out a disturbingly large number of deaths. In which case,x how comforting is this?

A second favourite is the doubling rate. Its risen above 15 days. However, the United Kingdom and the United States have a doubling rate of 35, Italy 55 and Spain 56. Those are countries with a huge number of deaths. So, the doubling rate can be substantial but so too the number of deaths. Again, how comforting is this?

Perhaps the most important statistic is Indias mortality rate. Its fallen to 2.83% compared to a global average of 6.19%. But it turns out over 100 countries, including eight in the top 20, have a lower mortality rate. Lav Agarwal, who usually leads the daily government briefings on the pandemic, never revealed this but, admittedly, no one questioned him either.

Perhaps these statistics led the health minister to tell the Economic Times that the virus is not that virulent. Frankly, I hope so. But no one subjected the minister to rigorous questioning. Every epidemiologist Ive spoken to says they arent aware of the facts the minister is relying on.

Now you could say these statistics and the unverified conclusion the virus is less virulent are intended to calm anxiety. Even if meaningless, the statistics are harmless. But there were occasions when epidemiologists such as Dr Jayaprakash Muliyil and Dr T Jacob John were appalled by Agarwals announcements.

On May 20, Agarwal first compared India to the 15 worst-hit countries on the grounds that their population, taken collectively, is roughly the same as ours. He then pointed out they have 34 times more cases and 83 times more deaths. His conclusion was this says a lot about measures taken by us to manage the situation. He repeated a similar comparison on June 2.

Dr Muliyil said these are meaningless comparisons. Dr Jacob John said theyre unintelligent. They said Agarwal could also have compared India to the 30 least-hit countries which might have a population roughly the same. If he had done so India would have looked worse. By choosing the 15 worst-hit, India looked better.

The paradox is, it wouldnt have taken much to improve the governments press conferences. Senior ministers rather than bureaucrats should have fronted them. Probing even awkward questions should have been encouraged and truthfully answered. Agarwal rattling off a litany of statistics was hard to follow and, often, understand. The golden rule is how you say what you want to convey is usually more important.

The prime minister knows this. This is why hes such an effective communicator. Alas, the press conferences were unaware of or just ignored this. Thats why they are one of the weakest aspects of the governments handling of this crisis.

Karan Thapar is the author of Devils Advocate:The Untold Story

The views expressed are personal

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Missing in the Covid-19 battle: Communication - Hindustan Times

Sky-high plates of chicken and waffles in Youngtown. Crispy catfish po'boys in south Phoenix. Bites of Hoppin John that would transport you to the muggy outdoor cafe tables in the French Quarter. The Valley is lucky to have a wide variety of black-owned restaurants offering incredible food in vital spaces.

We have many suggestions. Here are several restaurants in greater Phoenix we recommend for today and well beyond.

Jupiter Rings Wings and More 4700 North 12th Street

If youre looking for a new restaurant, try Jupiter Rings Wings and More. Jason Higgins came to Phoenix with just a buffalo sauce recipe. He has since created a popular vegan version and opened a restaurant and will soon be selling his product in grocery stores nationwide.

The artfully plated chicken chicken and waffles dish from Rag's.

Lauren Cusimano

Rags Real Chicken & Waffles 12242 North 111th Avenue, Youngtown

Tucked away in the northwest Valley city of Youngtown, Rags Real Chicken & Waffles is a small, family-owned restaurant that plates sky-high chicken and waffles truly, the dish has to be about six inches tall off the surface of the table. Aside from the huge portions, there is much more to appreciate here like the sides, the live music, and the BYOB policy.

Mingo's serves a variety of po'boys, including the classic catfish po'boy.

Samantha Pouls

Mingo's Louisiana Kitchen 3424 West Southern Avenue, #180

We have a few good spots for Cajun food in the Valley,but we recommend Mingo's Louisiana Kitchen in south Phoenix. Its backed by a New Orleans-rooted chef, and offers old-school and new school poboys, like an oyster and bacon or confit pork and slaw. Theres also a brunch menu with an andouille and shrimp omelet paired with a morning daiquiri.

Get them ATL style.

Lauren Cusimano

ATL Wings Multiple Locations

For some seriously, seriously good wings, go to ATL Wings. Many wing options in Phoenix are pretty good, but these are some of the best. If you love a good dry rub, ATL Style should definitely be your order. Each piece, drum, or wing is hefty and evenly coated with that heavy, oily blend of herbs and spices. Its no surprise they won a Best of Phoenix award in 2018. (Personal note: Ive eaten myself sick on ATL Wings many times.)

How Honey Bears BBQ was excellent to the cast and crew of Bill & Ted in 1987.

Lauren Cusimano

Honey Bears BBQ Multiple Locations

Many restaurant owners have stories, but not all can recall a time they catered the crew of Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure. It's true. Honey Bears BBQ owner Mark Smith remembers the first time this group of highly energetic and friendly young people walked into his barbecue restaurant in 1987. The next three months would be filled with some excellent adventures. Also, you can drink the sauce here, and many do.

Mrs. Whites Golden Rule Caf is one of the top restaurants in town.

Jacob Tyler Dunn

Mrs. Whites Golden Rule Caf 808 East Jefferson Street

Mrs. Whites Golden Rule Caf is one of the citys top restaurants. Named for founder Elizabeth White, it serves utterly timeless food. The writing on the wall literally informs you this 50-year-old restaurant is where youll find one of Phoenixs most famous Southern dishes: the golden brown Southern fried chicken (with suggested sides of cabbage and black eyed peas). Mrs. White has spinoffs everywhere, including her grandson, Larry Lo-Lo Whites spot, Lo-Los Chicken & Waffles.

Stephen Jones of the Larder + the Delta in the permanent location.

Chris Malloy

the Larder + the Delta 200 West Portland Street, #101

Operated by chef Stephen Jones, the Larder + the Delta is also one of Phoenixs top restaurants. Wereviewed the restaurant in 2018,and we stand by it. The restaurant's second location is in sleeker digs, but the menu is still killer Southern fare. Entrees include pork ribs and chicken fried chicken, but smaller plates are the main draw here. The cauliflower is made with sauce from Cutino Sauce Co. (another black-owned business), the Hoppin John makes you feel like you're in NOLA, and the crispy pig ears are dusted in Cheetos. We could write a poem about the chicken skins.

An order of the fried chicken at Stacy's Off Da Hook BBQ and Soul Food.

Lauren Cusimano

Stacy's Off Da Hook BBQ and Soul Food 1804 West Glendale Avenue

We think Stacy's Off Da Hook BBQ and Soul Food has some the best soul food in town. In addition to offering a well-decorated (but not yet opened) dining area, this casual soul food restaurant serves "ole fashion" barbecue, fried chicken, and chitterlings, and has Kool-Aid on tap. That crispy fried chicken is some of the best in town; it comes from a secret recipe concocted by owner Stacy Phipps himself who most likely will be in the restaurant when you visit. We also gave it a Best of Phoenix award in 2019 for its food in general.

Anibal Abayneh and and Salem Beyene own Cafe Lalibela in Tempe.

Jacob Tyler Dunn

Caf Lalibela 849 West University Drive, Tempe

Metro Phoenix has several standout African restaurants and coffee shops. But one is a cut above, and we've deemed it one of the Valley's top restaurants. Located in Tempe, the husband-and-wife-run Caf Lalibela is a cozyEthiopian restaurant that has occupied a strip mall suite for decades. The eatery specializes in vegetarian dishes, though several meat items are on the menu like the key sega wat. Injera, or a crepe-like sourdough bread made with teff, is served with most meals.

Monroe's Hot Chicken has the best lunch in downtown.

Chris Malloy

Monroes Hot Chicken 45 West Jefferson Street

Remember when hot chicken was all anyone could talk about around here? One place has done it extra well but not extra well done. The sandwiches are juicy and hot at Monroes Hot Chicken, which we discovered in a very early visit. But we had such a good time on follow-up visits we gave the restaurant, owned by Larry White (also the man behind Lo-Los Chicken & Waffles), a Best of Phoenix 2019 award for best downtown lunch.

James Lewis of JL Smokehouse philosophizing about wood and smoke.

Chris Malloy

JL Smokehouse 1712 East Broadway Road

Our food critic, Chris Malloy, is a big barbecue fan. He's dedicated countless hours to his series Smoke Rings. Along this journey, smoke master James Lewisclaimed I got the best pulled pork in the country. Lewis' barbecue joint, JL Smokehouse,usesoak and mesquite in service of exceptional menu items like the Chicago sausage sandwich, the brisket, pulled pork, rib tips, and sides like thecoleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese (goosed with smoked gouda), and beans (flavor halfway between barbecue and Cajun). Just to name a few.

The Jumbo Philly Crack Wings from Trapp Haus BBQ in downtown Phoenix.

Chris Malloy

Trapp Haus BBQ 511 East Roosevelt Street

Roosevelt Row is known for cocktails, galleries, and maybe a craft beer spot, which is what makes Trapp Haus BBQ all the more worth a visit. Proprietor Phil "the Grill" Johnson is a "seasoned barbecue master," and he plies his trade on standout items like the Jumbo Philly Crack Wings, which we gave a Best of Phoenix award in 2019. Other memorable menu items include the St. Louis ribs andTrappetizerslike burnt ends and the hot chicken skins.

Editor's note: We will continue to add to this list as new restaurants open and we're reminded of other great places in town.

Lauren Cusimano is Phoenix New Times' food editor. She is a journalist based in Tempe with more than 10 years of experience writing and editing. She enjoys eating wings, riding bikes, going to dive bars, talking too much about The Simpsons, and falling asleep while reading.

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Where to Find Outstanding Food From Black-Owned Restaurants in Greater Phoenix - Phoenix New Times

A sheet of United States one dollar bills on a light table during production at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington, D.C., November 14, 2014 (Gary Cameron/Reuters)

I got this email (which Ive lightly edited) a few weeks ago, in response to this column, but am responding to it only now:

Leave it to you to find a way to sneak in New Natural Law Theory to Bloomberg.

You say theres no need to decide if lives or dollars are more important because nobody actually acts as though they believe that health and other goods can be ranked in some global fashion. And you say its a mistake to insist that various goods including health, play, friendship, and religion need to be ranked in order of importance. But this is impossible to do wholesale, and we shouldnt try.

All of us have to make retail judgments about trade-offs all the time.

Thats pure NNLT: There are basic human goods and theres no hierarchy among them. The weakness of the theory and therefore your write-up is that it makes most of our moral judgments arbitrary. Saving one million lives at the cost of canceling a football game? Insoluble, because health and play are both basic goods. You may object that there is an obviously correct judgment in that case but you have given up the ability to say there is an objectively correct one. That feels unsatisfactory and so the theory doesnt line up as neatly with common sense morality as you say.

I say that common-sense morality incorporates the futility of trying to make moral decisions on the basis of some objective hierarchy of goods. You say common-sense morality reflects a sense that many choices to pursue one good at the expense of others are not arbitrary. Your assertion is compatible with mine, and I agree with both.

But consider your own example. If our decision turned on lifes being more important than sport, you wouldnt need to set it up as one million lives vs. one game. You would be justified in ending all games forever to save one life (assuming, of course, some weird hypothetical situation in which any of these sorts of trade-offs were real ones). Hence my assertion: We dont in fact reason about moral choices in terms of hierarchies of goods.

That doesnt mean all our choices are arbitrary, although some of them, it is true, are not fully compelled by reason. Say, for example, a young person can either be a great scholar of the Renaissance or an excellent doctor. Either choice would promote a basic good knowledge in one case, health in the other and the right way to choose is not to figure out which is objectively more important. Either choice is defensible, neither is necessarily rationally superior to the other, and arbitrary still seems the wrong word for the decision between them.

There are, however, objectively right choices in other situations that pit goods against one another. Moral norms that are not themselves basic goods and thus our ultimate reasons for action can guide our choices in these cases e.g., the Pauline principle and the Golden Rule. If basic goods were not rival and incommensurable, we would have much less need for such norms. We would merely have to identify the course of action that maximized the underlying unit in terms of which all other goods are measured, such as utils, and then take it. But since basic goods are incommensurable, this method of decision-making is impossible; and since it is impossible, its not what we do.

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Lives and Dollars, Ctd. - National Review