Why Not

Taking Responsibility

Posted by Kevin Fech on May 17, 2010

Martin Luther King Jr once said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

As a parent, I work very hard in teaching my children to accept responsibility for their actions. These are the same values taught to me growing up. I will not let allow my kids to blame somebody else for their own mistakes, especially if I know that they did the action.

Last week, before Congress, 3 companies pointed fingers at each other for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I am sure that everybody has seen the pictures or video on the devastation that this spill is causing to the environment in a region that is still fighting to get back on its feet after Hurricane Katrina. Ultimately somebody is responsible. 

I was in New Orleans for business the May prior to Katrina and I was shown around the city. Not just the French Quarter, but also the Fair Grounds where Jazzfest is held and some parts of the 9th Ward. I have regular freight going to New Orleans, so I talk to people down there on a monthly basis. I heard firsthand the effects of Katrina and how it was handled. Now the people of New Orleans are looking at the possibility of another major jolt to their economy. 

This morning I heard that Rome is looking to have a lawsuit dismissed holding Rome accountable for the actions of their priests. Again, another instance where nobody wants to take responsibility for tragic events.  

I am Catholic and attend mass weekly with my family. While I am not happy about these issues, it has not caused me to waiver I my faith.  I struggle with some of the byproducts of the priest scandals; I do not question my faith.

If people or companies are not going to accept responsibility for their actions, how are we supposed to teach the future leaders the importance of responsibility? When oil profits are sky high, the oil companies are not shy about sticking out their chest and telling you how good they are. When things are running smooth in the Church, they are not shy about letting us know this as well.

I know that people do not want to accept the responsibility for tragedy because of the ultimate cost to that company or institution. Everybody looks to pass the buck when it comes time to the financial ramifications of the decisions that led to the tragedy. But somebody had to say that they way things are going is OK. Nothing is going to happen.

But who suffers in the end while this multibillion dollar companies or institutions argue about responsibility?  It is us. I know that I am more forgiving of people when they just fess up and admit they made a mistake.