Action taken for the good of greatest number can be detrimental to interests of the few

Action taken for the good of greatest number can be detrimental to interests of the few

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The United States as well as many other democracies take into account of the majority vote and opinion on a public issue for government action. This is exemplified by the 3:1 majority voting rule in the House of Representatives and Senate as well as during the election process. The politicians elected into office have the responsibility to act on behalf of the majority of constituents. Although in most cases, the government rules for the majority in hopes to better society, but there are times when majority vote will hurt the minority.

First consider a situation in which, action taken for the greatest number can be detrimental to the interests to the few. In US society and in Europe there have been many cases of gun crime that have taken innocent lives. Most of these crimes have been committed by criminals and even peers that target the youth population due to the gullible nature of youth today. For example there have been multiple instances of gun related violence in the United States over the past year. In March 2012, at Oikos University of Oakland, California several  students were shot execution style by One Goh, One Goh was a 43-year old student who was bullied by his peers and decided to take revenge. From this incident, the US is reconsidering its gun laws and possible alterations to the 4^th amendment. If the legislation passes to restrict the use of gun laws then it will help the majority to be safe from future attacks, however those who are interested in recreational shooting and hunting are at a loss. Another example, is when a major infrastructure project such as a dam or road expansion for a highway is started in a local community, it is done with the sole purpose to benefit the community. By widening the roads and building a well it will reduce traffic congestion and contain water for future use respectively. In the process, there are people who will oppose this project because their property or land may be at risk of being taken away due to the expansion. Thus this is another example where action to help the majority of the community will harm the minority interests.

In contrast, consider a situation in which, action taken for the greatest number benefits all citizens. In the US democratic system there have been times when the majority has been able to tyrannize the minority by racial, sexual and religious discrimination. Over the past few decades and since the start of democracy in the United States, there have been certain mechanisms put in place to minimize discrimination of minorities. For example, the Bill of Rights in the American Constitution is a document that is referred to by many minorities and citizens to preserve their rights and freedoms. The document outlines several freedoms, including those of speech, religion, and right to own arms that are guaranteed for every US citizen. When a person's fundamental rights have been infringed, he or she can turn to the courts to ask for an injunction and even claim reparations and damages. Also, equal rights to basic public services such as health care and education are not detrimental to the minority and helps society to move forward.  These paths to recourse attempt to not only protect the victim but to also discourage others in the future from infringing on those rights. Likewise, when developed nations help 3^rd world nations by giving aid money helps the majority. The majority in this society are poor and malnourished thus there is no need for rebellion. Hence over the past few decades, organizations such as Engineers without borders and Habitat for Humanity have helped underprivileged families live a happy and safe life by providing basic biological needs of clothing, food, shelter and sanitation facilities. Therefore in these cases, the action taken by wealthy nations to help the poor helped the poor majority in 3^rd world countries.

All in all it is circumstantial in which action taken for the greatest number is detrimental to the few. During times of controversy or public expansion such as school shooting or infrastructure and it is aimed to help the majority. As mentioned by restricting gun laws, it will help the majority to be safe, harm the minority interested in recreational shooting. Likewise, public expansion can reduce traffic congestion and increase water storage from highway expansion and dam construction respectively. However, land owners are harmed by loss of land and money. Whereas, in developing 3^rd world countries, helping the majority is good because there are hardly any wealthy people who would be harmed by the presence of humanitarian organizations.