Humans often have a binary response like you either do something or you don't. Some can arrive at a decision rather quickly... like let's do it! But others while still getting an answer in a short time have a process to come to a conclusive answer.
An example, a man has an opportunity to cheat on his wife, and his answer is he does or he doesn't. But sub rosa the doesn't response actually has an underlying two choice aspect.
Those who don't cheat because they believe it is absolutely wrong are likely less than the majority. The majority who don't cheat, don't because they know they will get caught so they don't. Either way they don't but the majority fear getting caught.
As I had mentioned the Officer's Mess included both Officers and civilians who because of what they do are accorded the officer privileges. I had been on Midway less than about two weeks and was having dinner in the BOQ (Bachelor Officers Quarters) when who enters is one of the over 40 schoolteachers and she sat at my table which could accommodate four, but it was just me until she came. She is best described as a bit worn on the edges and certainly not svelte.
She said can I sit here and recalling my Navy training about being courteous, I said why of course. She then asks who are you and I introduced myself and explained I had been in the Navy about 4 months and before that college. She introduced herself and explained she taught several subjects in the school. The usual chit chat about how you like Midway so far and what is your job.
The meal was about over, and she says I teach Home Economics to the girls and today we baked a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies. How would like to come over to my room for dessert. Gulp, there it was out in the open, was I being propositioned?
This goes back to our original opening, and do you say yes which opens up a huge issue that the Navy calls Moral Turpitude or you say NO because you just know you will get caught! A wrong move could be career ending.
My response is that I had to decline as I needed to run to observe an off-shift maintenance operation and being new I was overwhelmed with collateral duties (which was the truth). She looked pretty sad... so close but so far away.
Mental note to Pete, change your dinner schedule and always sit with other officers. I had successfully escaped being dessert.
Them that know make the tough decisions
73's
Pete N6QW
