This was the attitude of one person, who I believe represents
many others. In my neighborhood association, someone posted
about a specific driver who sped across a yellow line and then
ran a red light. A neighbor who was almost in an accident with
an offender vented in a reasonable post to their neighbors.
One person responded saying that they should have gone
to the city to "fix that intersection". Talk about diffusion of
responsibility. Instead of blaming a specific person who clearly
disregards rules, this person is thus inclined to let government
somehow find their own solutions without identifying specific
individuals. So considering the facts, look at the inconsistency:
we appeal to government to somehow create more rules
to stop someone who does not follow the rules. Keep in mind,
we know what the problem is. It’s not an inanimate government.
It's that individual.
Here's the thing. The guy who ran the light is gone. His deed is in the past. Nothing can change it. But 'fixing the intersection' can make it less likely that a similar event -- one that doesn't "almost" cause injury -- occurs.
ReplyDeleteYa can't change the past. The future gives you a much better opportunity.
I couldn't agree more that the past can not be changed and I also agree the future gives a better opportunity; however, doesn't it make sense to focus your future fixes on the individual bad apple rather than redesigning the apple bucket?
ReplyDelete