Interesting numbers and important figures appear in our newspapers and television every day. Some of these figures we ignore, some of the numbers upset us. Some people when seeing the numbers are outraged.

People with either join an existing group or start a new group to bring down these numbers. Sometimes, we call this kind of action moral outrage. Sometimes, we call it self-preservation. At times, we even ask local, state or federal governments for immediate action, through enacting new laws, money for prevention or even war.

The numbers we see almost daily need addressed, that is for sure. How do we determine how to allocate our limited resources? How do we enact laws without infringing on the rights of others, and at the same time, protect our citizens? How do we prioritize the outrages we see listed daily? Do some outrages receive more money, and more laws enacted, because their cause is more worthy, their outrage more just, or the action group is more vocal, more organized and has better public relations?

Maybe, priorities are determined by all of the above. Determination of priorities start with a personal story. If I have a family member killed by a drunken driver, I’d point to numbers killed yearly by impaired drivers, and lobby for justice.

Maybe, a person with a relative or friend that was a victim of an armed robbery or even death by street violence would, of course, not just want, but demand, new laws and stiff penalties. The list of personal stories, and of friends and relatives, could fill the front page of this newspaper.

All the people would be completely correct to be upset, angry and demand justice. My questions are: How do we determine which group gets the most attention? Is it the number of victims? Is it because of the perceived violence? Maybe, it’s the innocence of the victims?

Is each different crime or group of victims equal? Does how we allocate money to, and enact laws for, a specific injustice reflect our moral values? Does the money allocated and laws reflect the value of the victim?

This writer needs clarity on how we chose to allocate time, money and laws, and how those laws are enforced and prosecuted. Any help out there?

— Steven Fetter, Jeffersonville