z§We like to think we’re sovereign, independent beings but we can’t deny how much we like to delegate jobs and responsibilities to other people.
I’ve just seen a two minute clip on Twitter of a man complaining about the state of a newly built bridge with weeds and even a tree growing from the bridge soon to cause damage.
OHHHHHHH! ‘They’ should be doing that! It’s a disgrace!
Well, yes, if you believe that paying your taxes like a good little boy is to fund local services. You might have noticed that your government is always at war with other governments. Funny isn’t it?
“We’re at war!” We contradict ourselves even saying it. Are we on the frontline? Do we want to bomb total strangers thousands of miles away? Are our limbs being blown off into smithereens on the battlefield? Nope!
If taxation were voluntary and someone came round asking for a donation to detonate explosives on innocent people on different landmasses, would you give? No. You wouldn’t.
Always someone else’s job.
I heard a story of village life fairly recently. He claimed a stretch of the high street by the church. He tended in particular to a certain road sign that was easily covered by surrounding plant life and ensured the sign was visible to make life easier. It was mentioned in his obituary the contribution he made.
When I’m out I pick up litter, part of it out of a commitment to beauty, the other that I see it as my job. How can I criticise others for NOT doing it when I’m not doing it either.
Responsibility
Ownership
Integrity
It’s your job.
Your job to make things better.
Your job to tend a section of street.
Your job to relentlessly contact the people to get the ‘proper’ people to do their jobs.