This letter or article is to serve as the start of my campaign to change the way Americans think, so that we may turn things around and save this country from the same fate as past superpowers such as Greece, Rome, the USSR and so on….. 

Here is our mission; to try to reach people by any means necessary and get them to at least think about their lives, how they are living it, and what they are doing to contribute to society. There are far too many people who have essentially given up on themselves and their fellow Americans. You may know some of them. They are those folks who have accepted the notion that it is ok to take hand-outs, that it is ok to not have a job, that it is ok to live off of other peoples hard earned tax dollars. The most obvious examples are those who are on welfare, and get food stamps, Medicare, etc. But there is also this growing sub-culture who aspiration is not to finish college and get a decent paying job, oh no, their goal is to see how much Social Security Disability they can get. 

I mean seriously people, what is going on here? Ok, if you are seriously disabled to the point where you cannot work then fine, I get that. But, if you’re able to drive, walk, talk, and breathe-then there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to get a job at least answering phones or something. I guess what my real point is, is that there was a time when folks would be absolutely ashamed to have to go on Unemployment, a time when it broke someones spirit completely to face the realization that they would never be able to work a normal job again and now they would have to file for disability. 

That time seems to have passed for the majority of Americans. I know that there are still those out there who take pride in their work, but there are also a whole lot more of those out there who aspire to take advantage of the system, to try and hoard government handouts, and they do not feel guilty about it at all. It’s almost as if they think they are entitled to it.

I am here to try and change that. Why? Because it is going to destroy this country. We need to have that pride again. That mentality that was present during and right after WWII needs to come back. People need to have pride in the ability to be able to contribute to the prosperity of this nation, not be proud of how much disability, Supplemental Social Security, food stamps, and free medical care they can scam out of the government. 

I know that the system is flawed, and that there could be a better screening process, tighter guidelines, etc. But if we can try to get that pride back in people, get everyone on the same team again, fighting together to keep this nation afloat; well then we may have a chance-and we may just be able to turn this thing around. 

I would like to add a very important statement here: I do know that there are many people who are legitimately disabled, people who honestly have a hard time finding work, and that there are some families who aren’t out to take advantage of the system. I am aware of that, here is our mission; to try to reach people by any means necessary and get them to at least think about their lives, how they are living it, and what they are doing to contribute to society. There are far too many people who have essentially given up on themselves and their fellow Americans. You may know some of them. They are those folks who have accepted the notion that it is ok to take hand-outs, that it is ok to not have a job, that it is ok to live off of other peoples hard earned tax dollars. The most obvious examples are those who are on welfare, and get food stamps, Medicare, etc. But there is also this growing sub-culture who aspiration is not to finish college and get a decent paying job, oh no, their goal is to see how much Social Security Disability they can get. 

I mean seriously people, what is going on here? Ok, if you are seriously disabled to the point where you cannot work then fine, I get that. But, if you’re able to drive, walk, talk, and breathe-then there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to get a job at least answering phones or something. I guess what my real point is, is that there was a time when folks would be absolutely ashamed to have to go on Unemployment, a time when it broke someones spirit completely to face the realization that they would never be able to work a normal job again and now they would have to file for disability. 

That time seems to have passed for the majority of Americans. I know that there are still those out there who take pride in their work, but there are also a whole lot more of those out there who aspire to take advantage of the system, to try and hoard government handouts, and they do not feel guilty about it at all. It’s almost as if they think they are entitled to it.

I am here to try and change that. Why? Because it is going to destroy this country. We need to have that pride again. That mentality that was present during and right after WWII needs to come back. People need to have pride in the ability to be able to contribute to the prosperity of this nation, not be proud of how much disability, Supplemental Social Security, food stamps, and free medical care they can scam out of the government. 

I know that the system is flawed, and that there could be a better screening process, tighter guidelines, etc. But if we can try to get that pride back in people, get everyone on the same team again, fighting together to keep this nation afloat; well then we may have a chance-and we may just be able to turn this thing around.

I am fully aware that there are many families out there who are down on their luck, mothers and fathers who are legitimately disabled and cannot work, and a lot of honest people out there who are not trying to take advantage of the system. Please note, these are not the people at which my movement is directed. Please take the time to understand that. 

I am going to be 30 years old in March of 2012. My whole life I have paid into Social Security, and now it’s being said that my generation will not see any of the money we paid in to Social Security, that it’s going to be depleted before I retire. This is upsetting to me, and I am sure it is upsetting to those of you who are in the same boat as I am. 

I fought for the freedom of the citizens of this country. I am very proud of that. What I have a problem with however, is that many of those people whose freedom myself and the rest of the U.S. Military fought for, are not pulling their own weight. Rather, they are taking advantage of the hard earned tax dollars that are used for the many social programs our government offers. This is money that you, me, and every other hard working American citizen has busted their ass for.

This needs to stop, something needs to change. We need to get the attention of congress and make them aware of what is going on. More importantly, we need to push the idea that this kind of behavior is not ok. This kind of behavior is eroding the values of this country and will eventually bring this country to its knees. We need to promote pride in everyone, make it known that we are all in this together and we all have to work hard at this or we will lose it all. Maybe not in our lifetime, or our children’s lifetime, but eventually it will happen.

Let this be the beginning. I cannot do this alone so I am asking for your help. This is not about any political party, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, sexual preference, or age. This is about us being Americans. So all Americans are welcome to join this cause, it is not my cause-it will be our cause. We will need a slogan, an official name, and we need to start broadcasting our message effectively. I guess first and foremost, I will need some people to join me. So I am opening the books and asking for your help. Let’s see how many people we can get to commit here in the next few weeks. Once we have a handful of people, we can start brainstorming and determine our next move. 

I really think that we can have fun with this while still succeeding in our mission. Let’s keep an open mind, be accepting of everyone and their ideas, and just do our best-that is all we can do. 

Thank you all for your time and attention. 

CSP

We have no control of our passive circumstances. Neither have we had an accurate answer on life after death. Given the situation on being in the death row and this is going to be our last hour in life or the company you are working with gave you notice of your last day in service, what could have you been doing now? For someone who is going to be crucified, this is another story to discern. We have seen that what matters most is not the pain of whips, the pain of nails or the pain of thorns but the feeling like anyone of us could experience; the anticipation of being alone, of being humiliated, of being betrayed and that nobody might stand with us in agony. Our ethical standard puts us in the context of contemplating how to decide what is right.

Ethical dilemma or practical crosses in life caused us to stand by our belief and thoughts of which is right. Clients and co-workers and even our Boss are our practical crosses in the workplace. Students may have the dilemma in choosing the course to take, couple raising their children, the clergy facing their unreceptive community, your husband, your wife, your children, among others. A working mother considers it her cross to manage her time amidst demands of children and her boss. A husband might consider his wife as his dilemma who does not know how to manage resources while he had to struggle to earn a living. Question is: how long can we carry our own cross? How long are we going to process our ethical dilemma?

3 Test of Love

1. A TEST OF LOSING RESENTMENT. This is simply surrendering our life with forgiveness and love. A parent abandoning their children or a child abandoning their parents (ailing parents) is a true to life story anywhere in the world. There is that feeling of hatred, there is resentment, there is abandonment, and there is loneliness. Workers have contemporary concerns with accountability, transparency, participation, non-discrimination, devolution, poverty alleviation, competition, etc. But how are we being tested with our resentment? This is by way of embracing your cross with love and understanding. Give with compassion. One must believe that we are pushed into the dark to show us that there is eternal light.

2.    A TEST TO FACE HUMILIATION.  This is facing your powerful humiliation; a concern for relationships. Ethics was determined by rules from the past. Confucius had proposed a “golden rule” of caring that states: “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.” One of life’s challenges is for us to be brave enough to face humiliation and reap later the fruit of being a good person. You start to think you are good for nothing because no one ever believes in you. However, pain and sufferings are good starting points that will convert us to be a better person. The challenge on humility, the experience of death, dilemma on service goals form part of the sufferings in our life that unknowingly, the gold, the diamond, the silver in us will come out.

3.    A TEST TO SACRIFICE FOR A GREATER GLORY. Sweat blood because this is the only way to reach high and be successful in life. All of us have our own garden of Gethsemane. We experience betrayal, loneliness, pain, humiliations, and abandonment. We need to reconcile values of justice and mercy, competition and cooperation, individual freedom and group loyalty. But beyond all of these sacrifices, the Lord brings us to goodness. Clients will be served equally, marketing designs are geared towards meeting the customers’ needs, and governance and public service improved its commitment for competent proficiency.

Testing personal choices

a.    Integrity. Can I live happily with this choice? Am I at ease with my conscience?

b.    Transparency. Am I happy for others to know what have I done? And the Media to report what I do?

c.    Accountability. Do I make it a point to report to others? Can they check my reports?

d.    Reciprocity. Would I feel no hurt or anger if others did the same to me?

e.    No suspicion. Is the action free from reasonable suspicion?

There are many challenges in our life. Resolve ethical dilemma by way of designing outputs that meet customers’ needs and convert your attitude into a better person.

  I was taught that I will be held accountable for my actions and that I will pay a price for my mistakes.

  This is what is called, learning. 

  Learning that there are consequences to our actions.

  When I got into the real world, there was at least one whipping from my childhood that fit most every mistake I made, but the price to be paid was much larger.  A sore behind was the least of my worries.

  Our leaders today, both local and federal, need to be held accountable.  The very basic principle taught to every child in the world, from the first time you learn the word “no”, needs to be addressed all the way up to the highest levels of society and the ruling class.

  It is such a simple concept,…
…”Do not touch the hot stove,… it is hot and will hurt.” 

  You pay for your actions.  Period.

  I pay for my mistakes,… you pay for yours,… why not those that have been charged with our well being.  To uphold the promise to the people to defend their rights.  The rights of the people whom elected them.

  We all make mistakes,… and we all pay for them.

  NO EXCEPTIONS!

  P.S. When is the last time you burned yourself on a hot stove
              or cut your finger on a can?

  Gerard Kapraun

  Jerry Works

  Freedom.Jerry Works

·        ACCOUNTABILITY TO GOD.  Ultimately, everyone would have to answer to God someday; on the Day of Judgment. Whether we believe it or not, we are accountable to God for our days on Earth, for good or for bad. Living with a consciousness of this fact means that we must learn to be accountable here and now.

·        RESPONSIBILITY. A life of accountability entails taking responsibility for our decisions and actions. Too many people are very comfortable with shifting the blame of their mistakes and misfortunes on other people or situations. This inadvertently leads to complacency and immaturity. There would be no global or personal development if nobody is accountable to another or to a cause.

·        PROMOTION OF ETHICS AND DEVELOPMENT.  A world without ethics would be the graveyard of professionalism and a workplace of chaos. This is why we have organizations that attempt to uphold at least some accountability, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). People have expectations which must be met when other people render any form of goods or services to them. Accountability in the workplace encourages creativity, encourages respect, and enhances cooperation amongst people of different backgrounds and talents, for the common cause of corporate development.

·        PROMOTION OF HONEST AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.  We can be free from making cheap mistakes that may turn out to become stumbling blocks of discouragement, if we surround ourselves with people who are not afraid to tell us the truth about our character flaws. Flaws, which run contrary to sensible judgment. Friends who give us the privilege of escaping pitfalls in our life journeys, by sharing with us their experiences as a way of protecting us from making the same mistakes.

·        BUILD STRONG CHARACTERS.   Accountability sometimes means confronting our weaknesses with equal zeal as we would face our strengths. It may mean facing criticisms, from friends and associates, be they constructive or otherwise.  By seeking out relationships in which we are answerable to one another, we become committed to honesty, open-mindedness and vulnerability.  The saying “To thyself be true” explains this concept best. It takes strength and maturity to confront one’s own flaws. This would in essence build rock solid character traits that can face almost challenges in life.              

There has to be a meaning for life even though one has had to experience the evil of destruction and war. Similarly when there are such things experiencing a war game, one wonders what sort of game that might be because behind it, there is a lot of suffering and loss during the real thing. This author is aware that competition between men is quite healthy and one might one to simulate war through some kind of pretended war attack.

In Asian cultures there is a different meaning to the use of war games. The Chinese person for example, revels in the challenge of the game. It is a sort of competition and one has to excel in it to be good. One cannot generalize that this affects all Chinese because there are other nationalities where war games are also meaningful. The meaning of the game seems to be secondary to the meaning of winning over an opponent and since real warfare is unavailable to most youths today, this takes on a symbolic meaning of strength. One has to appear strong is the adult message to their youth. To others such war games appear to be too violent to be appreciated as a source of inspiration and playing against an opponent for hours in front of screen is frowned on.

There is a constant search for identity and the need to make a statement during development occurs children mature into teens and then decide to shape their hair a different way or to wear clothes that make them stand out. This is done in an effort to finding some meaning in the world around them. Choosing to be different may be taken as being deviant or radical when someone tries to reconcile his or her rebellious tendencies. Most grow out of this period and into adults who find a new meaning to life. Others go on to establish sub-cultural groups or just continue their own separate lifestyles.

There are ones who like to own and others that like to be used. Meanings for life can be positive or negative depending on interpretations. Today in sociology, one ought to be careful about ones interpretation when there is little first hand knowledge. Empathy can be questioned as being false or earnest but in the end the culture being analyzed may have more to teach us in terms of the quality of life lived or the ability to live with comparatively few possessions and needs.

Following politics offers meaning to those that like to representation in progress. Others will be apathetic and interest in what surrounds them is minimal unless there is an immediate connection or need. Meanings can be intense or the person would rather shy away and never seek notoriety. Looking for a meaning could have no sense when this life is temporary or it could have a tremendous importance if one sees or does not see another rebirth. If he believes in one life, than he may want to be super self conscious on not making mistakes. So life is spent avoiding mistakes. The man who see a rebirth may not worry as much about not having any more chances or he may choose to be careful about his choices so that the next life is a reward instead of a punishment.

The question of having another life after this one has motivated thinkers, leaders and academics regarding our purpose here. Is this just the introduction to moving on to another playing field of life or is this what life is like? Are we completely annulled once the existence that goes with our identity has ended? There is spirit that inhabits the body and it does not return into any other body, once the physical part of the person dies, some say. Others believe in a rebirth, coming back in another form. There is no scientific proof of one or the other thought, although some attest to have lived past lives and have been here before. Finding a meaning to life hinges also on whether one wants to look for a scientific evaluation of its parameters or not, seeing that science itself has changed over the years.

For people looking for beauty and love in life. don’t waste your time concentrating on that if everything else is going to get ignored!The ethereal manifests itself differently for everyone and common knowledge has it that looking for love or beauty might be a means of avoiding what one already has but has ignored.

Though I ended up dropping the class because this professor accused me of something that I didn’t do, I realized that he was right when I started to work with young people in schools.

As someone who over the course of approximately twenty years was a physical education instructor, a sports coach, a tutor, and an after school teacher who helped kids with their homework, I saw firsthand the issues plaguing education that has gotten much attention in the media as of late; I witnessed teachers being fired because the principal didn’t like their class seating arrangement, and I’ve experienced – many times – parents getting in my face and jumping my case due to them believing that I treated their child unfairly, among other things.

The issue of teacher accountability for student achievement, particularly in regards to standardized test scores, has come to the forefront in recent months.

The Los Angeles Times, for example, posted on their website the rankings of Los Angeles school teachers according to how well their students performed on standardized tests. It caused some controversy as A.J. Duffy, the president of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s teacher’s union, United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA), called for a boycott of the Times because he felt that the rankings singled out teachers and portrayed the lower ranked ones as scapegoats.

Even though my aspirations for a career in education didn’t work out – for various reasons – and while I understand that the powers that be desire to hold teachers more accountable, as illustrated by a ballot measure proposed a few years ago that would have extended newly credentialed teachers’ probationary periods from two years to five in California (which ultimately didn’t pass), as well as to make parents know that their responsibility is to make sure that their children do their homework and things like that, there is one thing that I’ve always felt was completely overlooked and ignored too much of the time…

The accountability of the student in his or her learning and classroom performance.

It seems to me that in this era of charter schools, home schooling, and the ever-present struggle to prepare students for a 21st century society that they are often not ready for, especially in the low-income population, that it’s the responsibility of the students to learn, achieve, and succeed in school as much as it is the responsibility of the teacher to see that the students do these things, if not more.

In sports, it has always been said that the coach gets too much of the credit when his team wins, and far too much of the blame when his team loses.

The exact same thing can be said of school teachers.

While it’s true that there are bad teachers out there, that are only in the classroom for a paycheck and care little about the kids, I have seen plenty of good, dedicated educators get blamed and even fired when their students fall short – I’ve experienced that myself.

There’s an old saying: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it.”

In all of the various schools that I have taught and worked at, I don’t recall any teachers or staff who didn’t do their absolute best or didn’t work as hard as they could for the children. I also recall quite a few youngsters not “drinking the water” despite the teachers’ best efforts, and them shouldering the blame for it, which is completely unfair.

This not drinking the water particularly manifested itself in certain students’ behavior and attitude, which is just as important in their education as their reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic; as a matter of fact, I considered responsibility to be the fourth “R” in a child’s education, something that needed to be taught and that kids needed to master as much as the other three R’s.

Indeed, every time a student didn’t do their homework or misbehaved, that student failed in his or her responsibility at school. Unfortunately, teachers would often be blamed all the same; I’ve seen kids get away with virtual murder because “they are just kids” – a phrase that I absolutely hated.

I remember being told of one instance of this, when an elementary school student made an obscene gesture at his teacher and was subsequently sent to the principal’s office. The kicker was that this student apparently twisted the situation to make it seem that his teacher was at fault, and the teacher ended up getting reprimanded while the kid got off.

Since one can’t have success without discipline, it was the kid’s fault that he did not have such discipline necessary to perform in school, and he should have been suspended.

What is especially frustrating to me is how despite their best efforts, educators still suffer the principal’s wrath if their charges fall short, which sometimes meant that they were at the mercy of the youngsters. A teacher can stay after school until 5:00 or later every day giving the help and tutoring needed, as well as call and email parents, and even visit their homes to keep their students on track and stress how vital education is, until they are blue in the face.

However, despite all of that, the child could still choose to not do his homework or throw the test out of sheer defiance, thus making the teacher look bad. There were quite a few youngsters that I worked with over the years where I wouldn’t put it past them to do that sort of thing, their morals and sense of right and wrong were so warped.

The bottom line to all of this is that at the end of the day…

It is the student that has to do the class assignments.

It is the student that has to do the homework.

It is the student that has to behave in an appropriate manner and show good discipline.

And it is the student that has to take the tests, comprehensive and otherwise.

The teachers and instructors cannot do these things for the child – it is up to the kid to succeed, the youngster’s responsibility.

That is why, as schools across America open this month, I am fed up with this “blame the teacher” mentality that pervades the U.S., where dedicated and committed professionals with twenty or more years in the classroom are fired for one less-than-stellar review or because their students’ test scores are not in the 90th percentile, or because some kid outright lied in accusing a teacher or staff member of harassment; that has happened to me and other people I’ve known.

I suppose what I’m saying here is that the educational professionals and experts, the ones who make policies and decide what is best for the students, need to keep in mind that student accountability and responsibility is just as important in education as teacher accountability and parent involvement.

And being that it’s the children that are doing the schoolwork and taking the tests, I strongly feel that student accountability is a little bit more vital for success.

All of us live in a society. We all have individual and social responsibilities. We are accountable to each other in our life. We are accountable to our own conscience.

What is accountability?

It is defined that accountability is a concept in ethics and governance with several meanings. Accountability is often used synonymously with such concepts as responsibility, answerability, blameworthiness, liability, and other terms associated with the expectation of account-giving. Further, accountability is the acknowledgment and assumption of responsibility for actions, products, decisions, and policies including the administration, governance, and implementation within the scope of the role or employment position and encompassing the obligation to report to some one, explain and be answerable for resulting consequences.

Four qualities of accountability

People who are accountable generally have the following qualities:

1) Vulnerability

It is the quality of accepting things even if circumstances are adverse. Even if wounded they are calm and take things patiently. It is the quality of bearing even wrongly judged and wrongly confronted.

2) Teachability

It is the quality of willing to learn, being quick to hear and respond to reproof, and for being open to counsel. It is humbly accepting truths and learning realities.

3) Availability

It is the quality of being accessible, touchable, and being able to be interrupted. In our modern societies everything is fast and availability has become a very rare quality.

4) Honesty

It is a rare quality committed to the truth regardless how much it hurts, a willingness to admit the truth no matter how difficult or humiliating the admission may be. It is avoiding all that is false or phony.

Though this is a tough list today we need others to hold us accountable. Sometimes an objective opinion will reveal a blind spot. Sometimes we may simply need a sounding board to help keep us on our target. Just remember that not a single one of us is an island. We need one another. 

Corruption has ‘toxic effects’ on the society by hindering its economic activities. It widens the gap between the poor and the rich. It makes the organizations inefficient and magnifies the cost of carrying out any business. The countries that are able to root out corruption have magnetized foreign investment, increased growth rate and per capita income and literacy rate. The report on Human Development in South Asia 1999 concluded:“Corruption is one of the most damaging consequences of poor governance. It undermines investment and economic growth, decreases the resources available for human development goals, deepens the extent of poverty, subverts the judicial system, and undermines the legitimacy of the state. In fact, when corruption becomes entrenched, it can devastate the entire economic, political, and social fabric of a country…corruption breeds corruption – and a failure to combat it effectively can lead to an era of entrenched corruption” (1999: 96).[ii]

In the corruption-stained states, grand and petty corruptions have been gravely affecting economic activities by generating negative externalities and diverting resources in wrong direction. Although corruption is a ‘fact of life’ in the world but in developing countries it has become a ‘way of life’. The top notch hierarchy of these states usually indulges in grand corruption while at lower hierarchical level, there is petty corruption. The economic planners badly fail to gauge actual utilization of funds for the projects that result in failure of national economic policies. In the developing countries, a major chunk of the funds went down the drain in commission before the start of the project. Subsequently, when projects start, the corrupt practices move parallel. Therefore, actual utilization of funds out of the allocated funds is very low. For example, despite the Ugandan government increased allocation of funds for education, due to corrupt practices only 13 percent of non-wages funds trickle down to schools. Rests of the 87 percent are misappropriated and leak for private payments or for non-education purposes. Now the leakages declined from about 87 percent to 15 percent due to accountability. [iii]

Internationally, people indulge in money laundering have well-organized networks. In Nigeria, during the climax activities of Abacha family, more than 70 companies and 32 banks were involved in money laundering. Internationally, after the war on terror, it was realized that funds are transferred among terrorists through Hundy and other illegal means. Now, money laundering, corruption money and asset recovery are embedded in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) legislation that is a step in the right direction. In flourishing democracies, there is massive utilization of money to purchase mandate to rise to pagoda of authority that subsequently provide opportunity to elected representatives to compensate their disbursed money through political corruption. The publics of these countries pay heavy price for luxurious activities of elected and selected men at the helm of affairs who feather their own nests by heavily embezzling national treasures, e.g., President Marcos of the Philippine allegedly misappropriated US$5 to $10 billion during 21 years in power. Similarly, General Abacha, plundered US$3 to $5 billion from Nigerian treasury. [iv] It is widely perceived that China, India and Russia that are members of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are indulged in corrupt practices while doing business in a foreign country. [v]

In Asian countries three patterns of corruption control have been identified. 1. Presence of anti-corruption laws but absence of any specific agency that implement those laws (Mongolia which has instituted the Law on Anti-Corruption and three provisions restricting bribery in the Criminal Code). 2. Presence of combination of anti-corruption laws and multiple anti-corruption agencies to implement the laws (Philippines, China and India). 3. The disinterested execution of all-inclusive anti-corruption laws by a specific anti-corruption agency (Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea).[vi]

Pakistan: Multiple Anti-corruption Agencies

Pakistan is one of the countries that are on top of the list in corrupt practices in public sector. Over the years it has developed a culture of corruption where use of illegal means has become a routine practice. Many government officials demand bribery as their right. In public sector many government servants wrongly file their assets at time of joining service with intention to do corruption to justify their sources of income in the future. The accountability institutions are in place but they have failed to bring to book corrupt elements because laws are not implemented in letter and spirit. Lack of accountability, low salaries, monopoly of power, discretionary powers, lack of transparency, power of influential people, red tape, etc, are major causes of corruption in Pakistan.[vii]

There are multiple accountability institutions at provincial and federal level. These include Federal Investigation Agency, Provincial Anti-corruption Establishments, National Accountability Bureau, and Accountability Courts. Anti-corruption regulatory framework includes Pakistan Penal Code-1860, Prevention of Corruption Act-1947, Government Servants Conduct Rules, and The NAB Ordinance- 1999. NAB was established with an intention for eradication of Corruption from Pakistan and recovery of looted wealth including defaulted loans but it is facing the same problems that are confronted by other accountability institutions. It is not free from political pressure and it is allegedly used for political victimization. Its total human force is restricted to 500-600 persons that are insufficient. In Double Shaw case, it was reported by the media that Rs 70 billion(US$1billion)[viii] were looted while claims for recovery were only Rs 5.4.The NAB authorities paid only Rs 1 billion rupees to the claimants. Moreover, Federal and Provincial Ombudsman offices are present to check maladministration in the public sector. [ix]

There are different organizations in Pakistan like the Motorway Police, 1122 Emergency service that are established on modern lines and are free from corrupt practices to a greater extent. Whole traffic system and emergency services of the country can be reformed by following the aforementioned examples. Similarly, recruitment of candidate against various posts through FPSC has great credibility. Therefore, other examination conducting bodies should be reformed on the pattern of FPSC. Civil Services reforms are greatly needed to achieve great national goals.

Bangladesh: Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAC)

Bangladesh is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Corruption is the major barrier in the way of its establishing good governance. In Bangladesh openness and transparency are uncommon practices. The official Secret Act 1923 and Government Service Conduct Rules of 1979 provides a handy excuse to misuse authority to keep public at bay from the official records that give birth to corrupt practices. There is no integrated task force to evaluate public contracts. Civil servants are paid low salaries and enjoy low perks and privileges in comparison of their social status that gave birth to dishonest practices. There is no check on electioneering expenditure that resulted in political corruption. Bangladesh requires strong institutions having teeth to bite and laborious effort to root out corruption.  [x]

In Bangladesh corruption in the public universities is endemic and disseminating. There is need of invoking inquisitive minds and adopting objective methods. Campus politics of students and teachers and their affiliations with the political parties results in undue favor and promotion of incompetent teachers and cheating during the examination. There is also administrative corruption in the public universities. The officials accept bribe for admission, changing date of birth, management of departments, doctoring of results, transportation, building and construction, etc. Dhaka and Chittagong Universities are commonly brought to limelight in this context. There is need of courageous initiatives through accountability to reform educational institutions.[xi]

Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAC) is the main anticorruption agency. It is headed by Director General followed by six directors in the hierarchy. The sanctioned manpower is 1271. It has 8 regional and 66 field offices. The BAC derives its authority from the provisions and procedures that are included in the Anti-Corruption Act 1957, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947, the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1958 and the Manual of the Bureau of Anti-Corruption 1970.Its placement swing between President and PM office. In order to seek permission from PM to interrogate a public servant requires 1 to 6 years that has made it incapacitated. Inefficiency of the officials in carrying out inquiry/investigation due to improper training, frequent transfer of officials, slow process to seek permission for interrogation, stay orders of the court, lack of eyewitnesses, interference from higher-ups, etc., have resulted in failure of the BAC to carry out its functions efficiently.[xii]

India: The Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) and the Central Vigilance Commission

India is historically and culturally is very close to Pakistan .Concentration of powers at the centre, low paid civil servants and lack of internal control mechanisms are major barriers in the way of Indian nation. There is huge black economy and widespread tax evasion. There is also purchase of votes that opens the gates of political corruption. There is massive palm greasing in order to get public contracts. Political interference in administrative matters also patronizes corrupt practices. Corruption fatally affects acquiring of public utilities. Police enjoys great power but it is deeply rotten by corruption. Recruitment procedures against different posts are ballooned with favoritism, nepotism and bribery. Superior judiciary is relatively free from corruption. Court procedures are very slow and complicated. Political interference in appointment of judges is also a reason for malpractices in judiciary. There is lack of monitoring of public utilization of funds and public have no access to public records.[xiii]

The Prevention of Corruption Act (“PCA”) that was enacted in 1947 was the major law against dishonest practices. Parliament established Anti-corruption Bureau to check violation of the PCA. Now Central Vigilance Commission (“CVC”), that was established in 1964 and incorporated in statute in 2003, deals with violation of the PCA. The 1988 amendment of PCA was drafted to broaden the scope of Indian laws to eliminate corruption. Before the enactment of the PCA of 1988, Chapter IX of the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance of 1944 and the PCA of 1947 were anti-corruption laws in place. The 1988 Amendment combine these laws into one bill in an effective manner. The 1988 PCA staples criminal charge in accordance with the Indian Penal Code to persons involved in public and private sector corruption.  Sections 7, 8 and 9 of the PCA are directed to penalize corrupt elements.[xiv]

Multiple institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Comptroller and the Auditor General, and the Central Vigilance Commission, the Anti-Corruption Division, the Special Crimes Division and the Economic Offences Division are in place to trace, investigate and penalize corrupt elements. According to the Global Corruption Barometer 2007, people commonly resort petty corruption to get favor of government officials in India. In India bureaucracy is powerful executive machinery and enjoys widespread discretionary powers. Therefore, due to endemic corruption, there is yawning socio-economic stratification in India despite being the 6th largest economy of the world. Due to complicated official procedure, India is not an ideal model of good governance.[xv]

Malaysia: Multi-Agency Model

Malaysia is a good example that has adopted several measures to root out corruption from its society. Its government fully recognizes grave consequences of corruption on economy. It has different accountability institutions and several regulations and laws to wipe out sleaze. The Anti Corruption Agency investigates and prosecutes offences under The Prevention of Corruption Act (Now replaced with Anti Corruption Act 1997).It is also empowered to introduce preventive measures against corruption in the civil service and statutory boards. It also has authority to investigate disciplinary complaints against civil servants. The Chief Public Prosecutor Attorney General (AG) is the final decision making authority. The AG and the Director-General of ACA are appointed by King on advice of the Prime Minister. A Parliamentary Select Committee represented by all major political parties maintains a check on ACA. The AG enjoys tenure of service and removing him requires the following of prescribed and open procedure. The Public Accounts Committee ensures that accounts of federation and states be examined by the Auditor-General. [xvi]

National Integrity Plan and the Integrity Institute of Malaysia (IIM) strives to stamp out corruption and patronizes good governance and ethical values. The NIP of 2004 declares, “…to develop a society, which is morally and ethically strong, with its members possessing religious and spiritual values that are strong and steadfast, and is supported by good values.” The Malaysian government has established a seventeen member Royal Commission to enhance the operation and management of the Royal Malaysia Police (RCP). It has to recommend, “to change the mindset and values of members of the police force [PDRM] so as to improve their service and to adopt zero tolerance towards corruption” The Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) lodge complaints against government officials to hold them accountable. Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance established in 2000 embarks paramount practices for corporate governance; Disciplinary Board and Code of Ethics puts an end to money politics and corruption among party members. The Malaysian media is courageous and pinpoints corrupt practices. Malaysia has strong accountability institutions to bring to book corrupt elements. Its leadership encourages honest practices while its public is averse to corrupt practices. [xvii]

Hong Kong’s ICAC: The Universal Model

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is working since 1974 in Hong Kong to investigate and prevent corrupt practices and to educate citizens concerning horrendous effects of corruption on society. It was established on recommendations of Blair-Kerr Commission that came to an end result that sleaze is systemic in Hong Kong. The officers for ICAC are recruited on contractual basis through special examination. ICAC has three departments, i.e., The Operations Department that carry out operations; The Prevention Department that finance studies on public sector and business enterprises; and The Community Relations Department that informs the teeming millions about laws and regulations. The ICAC’s reporting hierarchy includes the Special Regional Administrator, the ICAC Director, and three oversight committees. The ICAC has established its credibility and enjoys strong budgetary support.  Moreover, Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (PBO) checks corrupt practices of civil servants. The Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance (CIPO) restrains political corruption, injustice, fraud and embezzlement of public resources. Hong Kong has become one of the least corruption-contaminated societies in East Asia.[xviii]

Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB): the Investigative Model

Singapore is a classical example of Third World countries that rooted out corruption from its society. Now it is one of the most corruption free countries in the world like Scandinavian countries. When in 1959 British granted Singapore self-government from Malaysia and subsequently independence, its institutions were replete with corruption. Syndicated dishonest practices were widespread. Weak laws, low paid CPIB officials and lavish life style of government officials promoted corruption in the society. With strong political will, the leaders set their own example and framed laws that provide sufficient punishment to the corrupt officials. The semi-authoritarian leadership of People’s Action Party successfully achieved their targets by strengthening institutions, establishing rule of law and incorporating values of diligence and honesty. Strong anticorruption policy of the Singapore brought good governance, built confidence of the investors, achieved meritocracy, established corruption free atmosphere in society, brought stability in the society.[xix]

In order to establish a corruption free society, the political leadership resorted to Legislative, Administrative and Preventive measures. The system provided carte blanche to the CPIB officers to take action against corruption-stained government officials. The taxation and police share information with CPIB that operates. The 1960 Prevention of Corruption Ordinance gave mandate to CPIB to investigate corruption cases and prepare reports for prosecution. After several amendments it has been renamed as Prevention of Corruption Act (Chapter 241 of the Statutes of Singapore). The 1989 Confiscation of Benefits Act checks corruption of civil servants. Now it has been reinforced and renamed the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act of 1999. In addition to government agencies that are specifically established to nab corrupt practices, there is also check on the level of each institution. The departments’ rules authorize the departments to take action against corrupt officials. Moreover, judiciary is also another layer to screen corrupt practices.[xx]

They government resorted to various administrative measures to eradicate corruption. The police officers in CPIB were replaced with civilian investigators. The official red tape was discouraged that provide opportunities for bribery. Administrative procedures were made more efficient. Salaries of the public officials were increased. Five years’ ban was imposed on contractors for any future public contract, who bribe to get contract. The government officials are bound to declare assets at the time of joining service and annually. They cannot borrow money from people in official capacity. They cannot receive entertainment from public. They cannot use information for private benefit. They cannot undertake private business without approval of the government. The corrupt officials are charged in the court if sufficient evidence available while in case of insufficient evidence departmentally charged.[xxi]

The CPIB officers strive to indoctrinate in the public devastating effects of malpractices. The court is empowered to impose penalty up to $100,000 billion and imprison up to five years on giver or receiver of corruption if found convicted during prosecution. For members of parliament convicted in corruption, imprisonment is for seven years. The people having bad repute are not employed on important posts. Departmental actions against government servants include dismissal from the service, demotion, stoppage or postponement of increment, fine or warning and forced retirement. Through curbing procedural delay, checks and balances, regular rotation of the officers and reviewing steps to curb corruption are effective steps. The success of CPIB in combating corruption in Singapore is because official are paid well-blubbered salaries, society is well-educated and averse to corruption. CPIB has only 75 staff members and is directly under office of the PM. Lee Kwan Yew’s semi-authoritarian regime fully support the CPIB. It has strict hierarchy. It is headed by a President that is the final decision making authority. It is followed by Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Directors, and special investigators of the CPIB. Thus through strong political commitment, support of the public, strong laws and institution to implement them in letter and spirit has eradicated corruption from Singapore.[xxii]

The New South Wales ICAC: the Parliamentary Model

After revelation that some government officials and a cabinet member were palm greased by drug traffickers in 1980s, the government of South Wales puts its foot down to frame an anti-corruption agency like Hong Kong ICAC with prime focus on prevention. In 1988, the NSW Parliament passed the preliminary ICAC bill. In March 1989, the NSW ICAC commenced its operational activities. Members of Parliament were incorporated in the law in 1994. Due to involvement of police in corruption an independent investigation agency called the Police Integrity Commission was set up in 1997.The government is following the principle that prevention is better than cure, punishment and management. The official hierarchy of NSW ICAC includes Commissioner, an Assistant Commissioner, and directors of four operational units. The organization comprises of four units, i.e., Investigation Unit; Legal Unit; the Corruption Prevention, Education, and Research Unit; the Corporate and Commercial Services Unit. In order to win public support and to educate public and private sector about drastic impacts of corruption, the NSW ICAC has published and disseminated a series of Corruption Resistance Reviews. The NSW-ICAC works under the aegis of two committees: eleven members Parliamentary Joint Committee and eight members Operations Review Committee. Moreover, the Ombudsman maintains a check on the investigators of the agency by intercepting their telephones and scrutinizing investigation record. Other means to implement accountability embrace term limits for the Commissioner, budgetary answerability to the Treasury, privacy laws, and freedom of information laws. The NSW ICAC successfully prevented and rooted out corruption that changed the norms of the NSW.[xxiii]

The United States Office of Government Ethics: the Multi-Agency Model

In the US due to various scandals like 1870s Credit Mobilier scandal, 19th century’s scandals of Tammany Hall in New York City, Teapot Dome scandal, the Lockheed and Abscam scandals, etc, led to the passage of various laws like Pendleton Act in 1888, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in 1977, Ethics in Government Act in 1978,etc. In 1988, the Office of Government Ethics Reauthorization Act was passed to set up the OGE (Office of Government Ethics) as an independent office. The OGE reports to the President and Congress. It works in liaison with various executive offices like Office of Management and Budget, Government Accounting Office, and police agencies in the Justice Department. The OGE has multilayered structure that resolve conflicts through giving information on laws passed by the Congress and regulations to the elected and appointed officials. In corporation with Federal police agencies and the Justice Department, the OGE promotes elevated moral and ethical principles for employees. It builds trust of the public in institutions while acknowledging the autonomy enjoyed by each individual agency. The OGE imposes penalties for violation of laws while Department of Justice carries out investigation and prosecution.[xxiv]

A Model Organization: Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA)

An example of an efficient public sector development institution is Kenya Tea Development Authority. It has made remarkable success in tea production. Before 1960 there was negligible export of tea but by mid-70s due to establishment of the KTDA, tea became the second significant export commodity and third major source of foreign exchange falling next to tourism and coffee. It is the most successful smallholder tea scheme in the world with 138,000 growers, 24 operating factories and production of 33,000 metric tons of tea. The key factors in its success as an efficient and effective organization include organizational autonomy, strategic managerial control, successful institutional adaptations and an effective accountability and incentive system.[xxv]

Although, favorable economic and climatic conditions were available but in order to harvest fruits of these factors, strong, stable, sustainable and innovative social, political, economic, cultural institutions and their efficient mechanisms are of paramount significance. The job in the KTDA is considered as elite employment because of hefty salaries and excellent perks and privileges. The KTDA has strong organizational structure and enjoys financial and administrative autonomy and there is no interference in its day to day working. The government plays the role of a guardian. Authority has control to hire and fire employees. It has no tax burden or subsidy that can cripple its operational and monetary activities. There is strong control of internal management despite having organizational flexibility. Each stakeholder checks the activities of other that benefit them collectively. The KTDA has clearly defined objectives. Organizational autonomy, focus on crucial activities, involuntary accountability with internal and external checks, answerability to the growers community, strategic planning to maintain organizational innovativeness and mutually reinforcing incentives have increased working of the organization. The farmers participate in decision making and are properly represented at district and divisional level.[xxvi]

Conclusion:

Hydra-headed monstrous of corruption is systemically rotting and enfeebling institutions of the developing countries. Executive machinery with ‘juicy government ministries’ have symbiotic relationship with corruption in these countries. There is crying need of vigorous fight against corrupt practices to block self-perpetuating cycle of corruption. The public are at heavy comparative disadvantage. The developing countries should adopt top down approach in order to reduce corruption. This requires political will that can establish fear of accountability and establish credibility and sustainability of the institutions. In order to implement accountability framework there is crying need to generate awareness through education, support government initiatives, strengthening enforcement, supporting various stakeholders and monitoring of the accountability frameworks. The developing countries can bring transparency in their institutions through establishing rule of law. This can be achieved through rigorous laws and their vigorous implementation. Public and private sector are interlinked. There is screech of time to encourage and promote established universal values. Therefore, they should stand shoulder to shoulder to move forward. The accountability institutions must be strong enough to bring to book any person indulged in corrupt practices. The head of such institutions should be men of established integrity and credibility with constitutional guarantee of tenure. They can play a key role to reform public institutions and repatriate misappropriated public assets.[xxvii]

 Proper and regular research may be carried out to identify loopholes and reform various institutions of the state. The researchers should study various successful models to root out corruption and recommend the government to implement these models. Perks and privileges and salaries of the government functionaries should be enough to prevent them from indulging in official malpractices. Academia and NGOs can play a key role to change mindset of the people. Active media must come forward to highlight pernicious effects of corruption on society that has deeply crept and is perpetually corroding universal values by destroying moral fabric of the society. They should also mobilize the public to play their active role in discouraging under the table means. There should be top down approach. This requires strong political will. The developed countries should also help the developing countries in achieving the targets. They should discourage corrupt elements who plunder public wealth from developing countries and transfer to the developed countries and subsequently permanently settle there. Provisions of international agreements and conventions on corruption, money laundering and black economy should be implemented in their true spirit.[xxviii]

References

[i] Iweala, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo; Corruption: Myths and Realities in a Developing Country Context; given at Centre for Global Development; cited at http://www.cgdev.org/doc/event%20docs/Ngozi%20Remarks.pdf

[ii] Abdullah, Nik Rosnah Wan; Eradicating Corruption: The Malaysian Experience; ; given at Journal of Administration and Governance, cited at http://joaag.com/uploads/5_AbdullahFinal.pdf

[iii] Ibid

[iv] Ibid

[v] Ibid

[vi] Abdullah, Nik Rosnah Wan; Eradicating Corruption: The Malaysian Experience; ; given at Journal of Administration and Governance, cited at http://joaag.com/uploads/5_AbdullahFinal.pdf

[vii] Khan, Muhammad Mohsin; Pakistan’s effort against corruption, National Anti-Corruption Strategy; given at United Nations Public Administration Network; cited at http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN019115.pdf

[viii] Double Shah, Bio; given at in.com, cited at http://connect.in.com/double-shah/biography-77819.html

[ix] Ibid

[x] Zwaniecki, Andrzej, Fighting Corruption Depends on Political Will, Institutions: Political manipulation, indifferent populations can compromise efforts; given at America.gov, cited at http://www.america.gov/st/business-english/2009/May/20090422153755saikceinawz0.2242395.html

Khan, Mohammad Mohabbat ,A paper prepared for Transparency International – Bangladesh Chapter, POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CORRUPTION: CONCEPTS, COMPARATIVE EXPERIENCES AND BANGLADESH CASE, given at UNPAN,cited at http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN019105.pdf

[xi] Chowdhury, Mahfuzul H., Those ailing public universities, given at The Daily Star, Published On: 2008-08-09 cited at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=49515

[xii] Murshid, Khan Sarwar and Co; given at BUREAU OF ANTI-CORRUPTION (BAC)Prime Minister’s Office, FACT-FINDING REPORT, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB),December, 2001;given at  U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, cited at http://www.u4.no/helpdesk/helpdesk/queries/queryattach/factfinding.pdf

[xiii] Overview of Corruption and Anti-Corruption Efforts in India; given at U4 Anti-corruption Resource Centre, cited at http://www.u4.no/helpdesk/helpdesk/query.cfm?id=188

[xiv]Humphreys, Christina E. ;UICIFD Briefing Paper No. 7: The Current State of India’s Anti-Corruption Reform: The RTI and PCA; January 19, 2010;Given at ,University of Iowa; Cited at http://www.uiowa.edu/ifdebook/briefings/pdf/India.pdf

[xv] Ibid

[xvi] Abdullah, Nik Rosnah Wan; Eradicating Corruption: The Malaysian Experience; ; given at Journal of Administration and Governance, cited at http://joaag.com/uploads/5_AbdullahFinal.pdf

[xvii] Ibid

[xviii] Heilbrunn, John R.; Anti-Corruption Commissions Panacea or Real Medicine to Fight Corruption?;given at World Bank Institute;cited at  http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37234Heilbrunn.pdf

[xix] Ali, Muhammed; Eradicating Corruption—The Singapore Experience; given at Thailand Development Research Institute, cited at http://www.tdri.or.th/reports/unpublished/os_paper/ali.pdf

Heilbrunn, John R.; Anti-Corruption Commissions Panacea or Real Medicine to Fight Corruption?;given at World Bank Institute;cited at  http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37234Heilbrunn.pdf

[xx] Ibid

[xxi] Ibid

[xxii] Ibid

[xxiii] Heilbrunn, John R.; Anti-Corruption Commissions Panacea or Real Medicine to Fight Corruption?;given at World Bank Institute;cited at  http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37234Heilbrunn.pdf

[xxiv] Heilbrunn, John R.; Anti-Corruption Commissions Panacea or Real Medicine to Fight Corruption?;given at World Bank Institute;cited at  http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37234Heilbrunn.pdf

[xxv] Lamb, Geoffrey& Muller, Linda; Control, Accountability, and Incentives in a Successful Development Institution, The Kenya Tea Development Authority; World Bank Staff Working Papers, Number 50, The World Bank, Washington D.C.,U.S.A

[xxvi] Ibid

[xxvii] Khan, Muhammad Mohsin; Pakistan’s effort against corruption, National Anti-Corruption Strategy; given at United Nations Public Administration Network; cited at http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN019115.pdf

[xxviii] Ibid

We, as human beings, are born as creatures of reason and creatures of free will.  As such, we are able to make choices in every aspect of our lives.  We make the decisions knowing that every choice and action has a consequence be it good or bad.  Why is it then that some people absolutely refuse to be held accountable for the decisions they make?  Why do they blame others for the negative consequences that result from their own poor choices?

The following examples are from real-life situations.  I am absolutely dumbfounded by the sheer stupidity involved in some of these cases but, as a wise man once said, “It is what it is.”

Case 1 – The Cheating Husband

This is the story of a man who was married for 22 years to a beautiful, smart and loving woman.  He was prone to late-night card games (or so he said) on the weekends. It didn’t take long for these card games to start spilling over into the weekdays as well.  Not surprisingly, it turned out that the man was having an affair.  The wife, of course, was angry and hurt.  But with his apology and promise to end it and do right by his wife, she forgave him.  Over the years, he strayed a few more times (that the wife knew of).  Only he and God know how many times for sure.  Needless to say the wife, fed up and unwilling to stick it out even a moment longer, packed her things and moved out, leaving him with the house and charge of their 17 year old son.  She is filing for divorce.  The husband blames his wife for breaking up the family.

Case 2 – The Shopaholic

Some women love to shop, others LIVE to shop.  The latter is the case for an acquaintance of mine.  She is in some high end department store every weekend getting a new outfit (or three) or a new pair of $300 shoes. She and her husband typically share household expenses; they split the mortgage and utility bills, take turns buying groceries, etc.  Well, she recently had to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy to the tune of nearly $40,000 due to her tremendous credit card debt.  The court will garnish her wages for the next 3 years to pay off the settlement amount.  She is angry with her husband because he will not let her off the hook for her half of the mortgage payment, although he has taken on the utility bills in total to give her a little relief.  And guess what? She’s still shopping!!!

Case 3 – Mother Knows Best

The story in Case 2 would not be complete unless I tell you a little more about the husband.  Prior to dating and marrying the shopaholic, the husband was dating a very nice woman.  She’s divorced, the mother of two adorable little girls.  She’s pretty, a great mom and obviously great at managing money since she owns a home and is raising her two girls with little or no help from their father.  One thing though; she’s a plus sized woman, which didn’t sit too well with this man’s mother who, herself, is probably a size 16 or 18 (go figure). The mother convinced the man that he should have a “little” woman.  He needed someone thin and “cute” who knows how to keep her figure and knows how to dress well; a trophy wife, so to speak.  Well, he’s got one and she’s burning up the malls and his patience.  But who is really to blame? He knew she was a diva from the start.

Case 4 – Falling Off the Wagon

This last story chronicles the life of an alcoholic.  His wife stuck by him through many DUI arrests, mounting legal fees, loss of his driver’s license, loss of his job, embarrassment for herself and her children when he arrived home drunk while they were entertaining friends. Worse yet was trying to come up with an explanation for when she and the children awoke in the morning to find he hadn’t been home at all. As the children got older, they began to understand what was going on.  They saw their mother hurting, sad and angry and knew their father was the cause. By the time they were teens, they had lost all respect for the man.  The man blamed his wife, saying that obviously she had spoken ill of him in the children’s presence. 

About 4 years ago, the man was picked up again for drunk driving.  He had to serve a 10 day jail sentence through which he was miserable and pathetic. He called his wife several times a day (collect) to complain.  She responded that it was jail and it wasn’t supposed to be pleasant.  The man, soon after, admitted he had a problem and earnestly sought to get help.  He began to attend church with his wife and things were improving. The biggest problem now was that the man resented that his wife had developed outside interests over the years that kept her away from home a few evenings a week.  I’m guessing he expected that she had sat around the house twiddling her thumbs while he frequented the local bars each night for the previous 18 years.  She encouraged him to buddy up with some of the men from the church; go fishing or bowling, play cards on those days when she was busy.  She suggested he try to find an interest that he loved as much as she loved the things she had been involved in over the years.  No. The man insisted on retaining the group of friends he’d always hung out with, the friends who sat in front of the TV drinking during every football game, basketball game, baseball game and hockey game. That was his choice.

Still, he managed to stay sober for 4 years or at least his drinking managed to go undetected for 4 years.  I’m not sure which it is.  But recently, he came home drunk two nights out of three.  His wife told him, in no uncertain terms, that if he decided to go down that road again, he was going alone.  She told him that if he valued their marriage, he would choose wisely.  Every time he chose to drink he was, in effect, NOT choosing his marriage and his family.  He apologized profusely and promised to “straighten up”.  A few weeks later, he came home drunk again. His wife asked, “Do you value this marriage?”  He answered that yes, he did.  She asked him how he could come home drunk if he did indeed value the marriage.  Do you know what his answer was?  That he doesn’t know why he got drunk.  (I know why… Because he CHOSE to).  He said that she’s not with him all the time and he needs something to do to pass the time when she’s away.  WTF???  Is she now a babysitter? He knows that drinking is virtual suicide, but his wife is supposed to stop her life to sit by and make sure he doesn’t pull the trigger? Is she now to be afraid to leave the house for fear he will go to his friends’ homes to drink?

Does he not have a choice in all this? Is he not responsible for his own actions? Was he not presented with some viable alternatives to hanging out with his drinking buddies? And wasn’t he given a pretty strong motivation not to drink; being told that his marriage and family were at stake? How can he resent his wife for having a life because he never wanted more to his own life than working and coming home to have a few drinks in front of the TV? Is she to blame for his failure to make new (non-drinking) friends? Does she force him to get in the car to drive to where his drinking buddies hang out? Does she drive him to the liquor store and force him to buy a bottle?  Maybe she holds a gun to his head and makes him pour one drink after another. I’m still scratching my head as to how this all turns out to be her fault…

Conclusion

It all boils down to choice.  As free-thinking adults, we always have a choice. We also can usually predict the outcome of our choices. With the exception of those suffering from mental illness, we also have the ability to think rationally and exercise self-control.  Why some people cannot seem to take responsibility for their actions or they refuse to be held accountable remains a mystery to me.

            The world is in a sad state of affair, from wars in our neighborhoods, to wars that are going on through the world; to hideous crimes being committed without any recoil of how they are affecting other people’s lives. Anyone reading this knows of the wars that are occurring throughout the world, while we all have horror stories of the wars that are being waged in our own backyard, along with the crime; has the world gone mad! Have we become cold-hearted salvages that care only for ourselves, bringing children into this world and letting them run about wildly.

            Many of the youth of today, are not respectful, they are nasty, and mean; I would even venture to say they are evil! Why? Many parents don’t have the time to correct them when they do wrong, they are busy at work, and little Jim is running about after school; just give him the house keys and have him call when he gets home; parents think it is that easy. For some it may be that easy, but many are finding that there time away from their children has its consequences during the teenage years. Since they have been on their own for so long, by fourteen they feel they are completely grown up and the parents have “allowed” them to behave this way. Today’s youth do not know what accountability is, they are so use to having someone “fix” the situation; then when they become adults and its time to play “hard ball” in the real world, guess what? They can’t handle it, they are unequipped to deal with responsibilities of paying bills, working, going to school, caring for family; and the worst part is the inability to take responsibility for something they did.

            Recently in my own back yard, the night before Thanksgiving, there were several hit and runs, where people got hurt and a few died, but the one that really disturbs me is the little old couple, going to church the night before Thanksgiving; hand in hand. It was not only the act of running this lovely couple down, but the fact that later that evening a family member attempted to cover it up by reporting the car stolen. To commit a crime so horrible, and have no remorse and then involve someone else, shows just how unaccountable our society has gotten.

            It was the night before Thanksgiving as Mister and the Mrs., sent out to church, with a few groceries purchase for those less fortunate. With a bag in one hand and their spouse’s hand in the other they proceeded on their way.

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Just outside the church, only a few yards to go, they slowly stepped off the curb; then it happened! A vehicle cruising along not paying any mind, perhaps drunk or on drugs, either way he hit this elderly couple, married some forty-two years. As the driver drove away, leaving behind the bodies of a husband and his wife, still holding hands with the groceries by their side. The crowd grew, and the sound of sirens roared, from left and right, north and south the sirens screamed in the night. People sobbed whiles others cried most where horrified, and yet a few had managed to get the plate number. Some got the first few numbers of the plate, while other got the last, and soon they had a complete license plate number. The puzzle to this horrific accident would slowly come together.

            As the couple lay there, in the middle of the road, the husband slowly slipped away, his injuries where too severe, even if he wasn’t in his seventies; his wife though was conscious; even with her many broken and mangled bones she found the strength to talk. She needed to know how her mate of many years, how was he? Is he all right she asked?  As the two ambulances speed quickly to the hospital, still calling to her husband, inside the emergency room, together they were placed within the same tiny room. She spoke to him, as if he could hear her; stating the things that needed to be done, the kids need to be called and not worry everything will be all right. As they lay there side by side, with only a sheet between them, God had called her home; her injuries too severe, perhaps it was for the best since obviously it would be too hard to bare her life alone.

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            While this sadness spread throughout the emergency room, and slowly through the streets, some thug had thought he had gotten away. To ensure his safety and not face the truth, he had a person call his vehicle in as stolen; adding insult to injury to say the least.

            How could you plow down an elderly couple and then attempt to cover it up; and how does the person who called the police that the vehicle was stolen, live with one self?

Is this where we are headed, with hit and runs in every city and state? Attitudes of self-righteousness and unaccountability, if we don’t get the message across now about being responsible for our action, the future lays in peril, as we slowly kill each other.
Our children, our future!

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