Confined website password leads to arrest

Lancaster County Coroner G. Gary Kirchner was caught red-handed breaking the law by giving access to a county website that is supposed to be restricted. This website has recordings kept by the coroner, fire officials and emergency responders.

Kirchner was accused of breaching the security of the 911 communications center Web site and violating the public trust "to help a small group of reporters gain an edge over competing media outlets."

Two opposing coaches of a game wouldn't show the other coach their secret play, so why would Kirchner give reporters access to the county website? It's plain cheating. This situation also makes one ponder if the reporters had an ethical relationship with Kirchner in the first place. What did Kirchner get in return from these reporters?

Kirchner's punishment abides by the rule of utility. His arrest was done for the good of the public. If everyone knew the password to the county site then private information could fall into the wrong hands of people.

Who can we trust today? Hobbes says we need firm control from a strong leader. In Kirchner's case, the Leviathon is the police department who made his arrest. People are greedy, nasty and brutal and therefore can't be trusted with private information.