I think the significant moment cited by the LW is saying, "So I decided to take a look at his personal tax returns." Was the LW NOT preparing these? If not, IMHO a code of ethics would not only not require anything, it was in fact broken by the LW!!

It sounds as if LW's job was to do the books for the company. "Taking a look" at the boss's returns seems to imply, to me, that LW did not prepare them. In that case this goes under not only the heading of "not your business," but also, there IS a code for secretaries. I realize LW is not a secretary but an accountant. However many years ago when I first worked as an office temp I was told the source of the word "secretary" is "secret." Secretaries and other employees are often aware, whether they choose to be or not, of all kinds of shenanigans on the part of superiors (cheating on their spouses, etc.). Sometimes these bosses are also jerks and it's tempting to "use" that knowledge to harm them. Especially because that person has control over one's income (and even survival) and it may often feel (or be true) that one's own good work is not being recognized or appreciated, of course it's tempting when one has a chance to "pay that person back." But that is NOT an ethical obligation - quite the opposite. I feel that unless the employee himself or herself is being asked to participate, it is really inappropriate to say or do anything. Except of course, leave - if the ethical climate is harmful to one's own integrity by its nature.

One caveat -- if the employee is being asked to participate, even tangentially, in the lawbreaking, then YES one must report the matter. A better alternative, before doing that OR participating, is to respond that what is being asked is not appropriate, and politely refuse to do it. That puts the choice (whether to break the law or society's codes) squarely back on the supervisor, where it belongs.

I am baffled at the venom spouted by Salon readers (well, some of them. But an amazing percentage, to me). I started reading (and posting once in a while) hoping to connect with people who were, frankly a little more articulate and interesting that some other people I happen to also encounter in the course of my day.

Losing someone to the national tragedy of 9/11 is NOT the same thing as any other loss, and YES other losses are also horrible, and we all suffer them, as did this family. But the losses of 9/11 were as if each family member were in the limousine with President Kennedy, or on one of the ill-fated Space Shuttles. These were events in (hello?!!) our national history!!

So it's inevitable that, painful as it may be, these families' recurring feelings are going to be "triggered" by news media at times (and I don't agree that it's necessary to never show the images again to spare them; I don't mean to sound unfeeling about that, but in fact I think it IS important that we remember the heroism, sacrifices and losses of that day for many reasons; certainly to motivate better international discourse (if we can ever restore our national character and credibility now so ably destroyed by the current Administration); but also for reasons of SAFETY (better building design, emergency planning, etc.) And of course, because this was not only a personal loss, which it certainly was, but a massive trauma and loss to all of us -- certainly ANY caring person who watched in helpless horror as the day went on, not knowing whom they knew might be on one of the planes, in one of the buildings - I've never experienced anything remotely like it and I doubt anyone else (in America anyway) ever has.

BUT -- where does this vituperation and venom come from? Posters are mean about the fact that these families, already suffering not only bereavement but constant public discussion of their (also) private horror -- are resented for (could this possibly be true) "getting attention"??? My God. For me, it's nice to wake up and check out the headlines, in Salon or wherever, maybe once in a while respond to an interesting topic. But um, then I go on with my day and my life. If I have personal issues about "feeling ignored" in my daily efforts, I certainly don't take them out on total strangers (and bereaved people at that!!) I mean, I hope to God I don't. That would make me feel as inhuman as the monsters who highjacked the planes.

People, people. Smile on your brother. For God's sake. Or for the sake anything you can find to believe in. Please find within yourself SOMETHING to feel and connect with besides this dumbfounding envy and resentment of people who did nothing more than (as the lady did today) answer an apt, timely, and journalistically relevant question!!

Sheesh!!! Chill!!!