Of late, I have seen many post and articles dealing with something I have long thought of but could never conceptualize. This topic at the most basic level is so obvious that is should not have to be mentioned. Even the slightest mention raises emotions in others that often become heated under much debate. While looking at the whole often we lose sight of the original idea or concept. What is this basic idea? Personal responsibility. I know right a basic concept.
With out getting into too much political theory and what have you, the idea is that we as members of society have entered into an agreement to live and participate in society in accordance with the established laws and regulations of the government that has dominion over us. And in return, the government has an obligation to protect us from wars, disease, or any other event that could led to our demise as a society. So here are two entities coming together, each mutually depended upon the other for survival and success. Yet it seems in recent years that this is no longer the case. It is as if the government has evolved into a separate entity, capable of perpetuating its own existence separate from the people.
Everyday laws are formulated and in acted to control societies thoughts and actions. Laws ranging from the MPG of your car to those that have access to your information through warrants.
But the things is this, everyday we prove the government correct. Correct in the assertion that we as society have no clue what we are doing. Somewhere over our existence there was was a shift. Somewhere we stopped taking credit for the dumb things we do and place it on others. And the same thing is, we did it to ourselves. If we will not accept responsibility, we must force someone else too. And there you have it, the end of personal responsibility.
I get it I am dumb. Often times I have no clue what I am doing. But that is where it ends. You see I am different. I refuse to pass blame to others. I refuse to force someone to watch over me. I refuse to be a hindrance to someone else. I will not be a burden to someone else. The way our society is established, we must, each as individuals, pull our own weight. It is when you begin to forgo your responsibilities that society starts forcing your responsibility onto others. Others start to work more. Others begin to resent you. The attitudes towards equality begin to erode. No longer are the founding value for which our nation was build taken seriously. Sure you could argue somethings are outdated, I could even agree with you, but the basic foundation, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” as stated in the Declaration of Independence still reigns true. This is however, only if we each do our part.
If I refuse to participate I should bear the consequence of my actions. If I refuse to act with accountability, I should be punished accordingly. At no point should I be allowed to pass blame to someone else. At no point should a separate entity be held in blame for the actions I have committed. But you see that is where we have given up. And this is precisely where the government has stepped in to fill the void left by us. Or you don’t want to stop texting and driving? Ok we will start looking at textalyzers to prevent you from doing that. Sure this is just a recent example but there are many more. (I am not going to list them because I don’t care enough too.)
All of this intervention could be avoided if we simply just thought about what we did. Thought about how much the choices we make will impact so many more than just ourselves. Does the drug driver realize the lives affected because of the actions they choose? Do you think that the person that runs the red light cares about the those they hit when they enter the intersection trying to make it to work on time? No, simply put, they care about themselves and not the others who have also entered into this agreement by default.
We as a society need to do a better job at policing ourselves. We need to realize that the others in life are here participating just like they are. Not one of us had a choice in being here, therefore we must consciously act in due regards to those around us. We must act in such a way that acknowledges everyones existence and commitment to the purpose. But everyone must do their part and be responsible foe their actions, no matter how some they seem to be. This is the only that we can have a society that is just for all.
No matter what you’re personal beliefs or worldview, not one person selected whom they would become or how they would get there.