Letters & Opinion

Why don’t we practice what we preach to others?

Carlton Ishmael
By Carlton Ishmael

These days, you hear people in general complain about the varying standards and quality of service being dished out at all levels.  You hear about the poor quality of our roads and the poor workmanship. You hear about the time it takes to deal with Civil matters and there’s talk about the slowness of the Justice system, or the lack thereof — and even complaints about “too much policing” as it relates to dealing with traffic violations.

You hear about the cost of goods, especially at the supermarkets, and how the cost of all services has gone sky high. But when you check their attitudes, all those who frequently complain are in a position to make a change, so they are no different from us who feel the squeeze all the time.

You frequently hear complaints from voters and non-voters alike about how the government of the day does little to improve their lives and their living conditions, but those who own homes, or are salesmen of any kind, do not make life any better for their clients or customers. You make deals with workmen, employees and service suppliers, but seldom get a satisfied result.

Most employees in private or public services spend more time on their gadgets during their work hours, rather than dealing with their customers’ needs.

At the varying medical institutions, the lines are long, at the government offices everything takes time, at the restaurants, garages, road transportation or tourist outlets everything is at a go-slow, yet those who complain of all the tardy service do nothing to represent better service when they are themselves the providers.

We are always late, always have an excuse, and need to be reminded of our jobs and role, we give substandard work and steal and pimp and rip off employers and customers, yet we criticise all that others have to do for us.

When laws and rules are established, we break them all with impunity and we look for corners, or shortcuts, at all levels, and forget the golden rule: Do unto others as you would like them to do to you.

We dispose of our trash everywhere at any time without consideration for others or the environment, yet never accept blame. Instead, some parents blame the system for all shortfalls but never accept their own.

The older ones set no good example for the young to be influenced by, but find that the youth are disrespectful. They eat badly and pay no attention to dieting needs, but when they become obese or have underlying medical issues, they simply bitch.

On the other hand, the young see and know the consequences of their actions but will not refrain from negative behaviour.

Many women love delinquent men and when they neglect their manly responsibility, they complain.

My big questions are: Who will guard the guards? Who will live by ethical standards? Who believes that honesty should be the best policy? Who wants to be the agent of change? And finally: Who will bell the cat?

How do you expect to find good when you believe in wayward living? If we must see a difference, travel a different route, or expect better, then all of us must play our part when given a chance to make that necessary change. If you do not make hay while the sun shines, or save for a rainy day how do you expect a different outcome?

I suggest that we check ourselves before criticising others, or the system; and for those who find that the government of the day is non-progressive, please check the records of the others.

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