I like dilemmas, or at least talking about them. I tend to leave the ‘ethical’ adjective aside as that sidetracks the fun and tends to heat up the conversation.

Here’s a dilemma one reader presented to me recently. Three couples share a ride in a car owned by couple A. They got a flat tire through the two-day trip, which fortunately got repaired at a nearby garage. Later a speeding ticket was received by one of the A couples.

Who should share the cost of the repair and the ticket?

The fun response in these conversation starters is usually swift – but varied amongst the participants – at least when I’ve tried it out.

When I add context, opinions start to soften. What if there were comments about speeding up a bit to have more time for a relaxing supper upon arrival. They don’t give tickets for speeding under 10 km/hour – but not so in this case. Is the driver solely responsible under any circumstances?

I’ve had experience driving across the prairies, passing through a string of small towns. At one of these towns in Saskatchewan, I missed the speed sign that dropped the maximum down significantly. There was no apparent visible reason for the slowdown. There was no school, seniors’ home or significant traffic crossing. Yup, I contributed to the RCMP and small-town coffers.

I suggest the following dilemma example, especially with different age groups; older, middle-aged, and young adults.

Please give this a bit of a think. Try answering the question yourself.

The government should tax the capital gains on your home. So, we are on the same page; say a person buys a home for $500,000 and later sells it for $600,000. The tax would need to be paid on the $100,000 profit. Currently, the profit is tax-free. Let’s keep it simple and not get into all the money an owner might have put into the house to upgrade it.

I’m going to put my oar into the water here. Wealth obtained from the increase in the value of your residence vs wealth from working for an hourly is often half the tax rate.

Some folks can make a fortune while they are sleeping.

Before asking others, try to anticipate their answer based on their age group or whether they own their own home.

Tax benefits to one group mean increased taxes on another group. Who should make up the other group?

Are we having fun yet!

The pandemic has highlighted many aspects of society that were accepted – unquestioned. We each can be bolder and ask the uncomfortable question of ourselves.

I’m curious about your thoughts. Please share your bit of a think below.

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