Well, we all know about the Titanic disaster, if only perhaps from the schmaltzy movie. But historically, what actually happened? Allegedly the president of the White Star Line commanded the Titanic’s captain to go full speed ahead, despite iceberg warnings, and all to beat some Atlantic-crossing-time record. And what happened then? Well, the Titanic hit an iceberg, and most of the male passengers went down with the ship, except for the head honcho guy, J. Bruce Ismay, who decided he was too important to drown, somehow, and so he commandeered a lifeboat to ensure his own safety while many others drowned.
So, then what happened? Well, Mr. Ismay sent a wireless to his company that he was all safe and well, and spelled his name backwards so as to avert suspicion. People found out, however, and after being arrested and charged, and plenty of evidence provided of his guilt, he was justifiably acquitted of all wrongdoing and lived happily ever after.* And this teaches our children that with enough money and connections, you can get away with anything: an important lesson for our children!
Oh, wait: was that really the lesson we wanted to teach our children? Oh well, never mind: I’m sure it’s close enough!
* Actually, he didn’t: He resigned the following year, was socially ostracized, lived as a relative hermit, got diabetes and had part of his leg amputated, and later died of a stroke. (So sayeth Wikipedia!) But at least he wasn’t poor, and he never had to be held accountable for his actions with regard to the Titanic, at least as far as the law was concerned! (Poetic justice? Hey: That could be a new show on TV! It could be like that show Power, Privilege and Justice, but show how the rich people who “beat the rap” had their lives ruined anyway, so it was Poetic Justice! Yes, that’s Poetic Justice: when justice fails, poetry nails: Wednesday nights at 9:00 on HLN with Jane Velez-Mitchell!)
