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Scott at lid wrote on 1/24/05 2:42 PM:

> In article >,
> "Vox Humana" > wrote:
>
>> I think there are two issues here. First, there is a question of morality
>> and then a question of "law." It is possible for things to be legal and
>> immoral, and moral but not legal.
>
> I think there are three divisions: illegal, immoral, and discourteous.
> It's more likely for something to be both immoral and illegal than it is
> discourteous and illegal. For example, in many US states, adultery is
> illegal. Even in jurisdictions in which it's not illegal, most people
> would probably agree that it's immoral. Discourteous acts are the most
> common, but the question of what acts are immoral is probably the most
> divisive. I suppose the difference (in my mind) between immoral and
> discourteous is partly a matter of degree.
>
>
>> That said, I think it is immoral to hold a place. Place holding assumes
>> that the holder is more important and more entitled than others.
>
> And I would say it's discourteous: it shows disrespect for others,
> whereas to be immoral (in my view) would need to also inspire a
> heightened outrage in the average person.

That's exactly what I was getting at when I said "sure, it's rude and
inconsiderate, but is it really wrong?"

I agree, place holding in line is "just" discourteous.

Immoral is much bigger than that.
-Removing the parts of produce you aren't going to use before you weigh them
at the checkout counter.
-Using the self-checkout lane and punching a code for something that costs
99 cents per pound for an item that costs $2.99 per pound. (this is illegal,
too)
-"forgetting" to put that large item you placed on the bottom of the cart
on the belt to be rung up. (also stealing)
-Eating or drinking something before you get to the checkout stand, even
though you scan the empty container. (not stealing, b/c you're paying for it
after the fact)
-Eating half the grapes before you get to the checkout stand.