This week, a candidate for Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor bolted the Independent ticket and endorsed the Republican candidate for Governor. His act of public betrayal has been met with disgust among some voters, and could backfire for the Republican campaign. We will have a better idea after the election next month whether this unusual defection will help propel the Republican ticket to victory or will contribute to its defeat. The danger of such acts is that they create perceptions that bring into stark contrast two very different traits: gamesmanship and loyalty. We abhor gamesmanship, which I define as the attempt to outsmart and outmaneuver an opponent with tactics that contravene shared values of fair play and good sportsmanship. In contrast, we cherish loyalty as fundamental to good citizenship and to our humanity. While gamesmanship, when successful, may be rewarded by temporary strategic gain, it often sacrifices trust, and can interfere with the game player's cr
Meditations on Law and Life