being accountable

reading this article in the nst website got me thinking:

too many folks out there have a blinkered idea or interpretation of the way things can or should be done, in regards to civil affairs & civic consciousness.

Im referring to the recent political 'tsunami' where, as most of you already know PR (pakatan rakyat) sapu-ed 4 states & now rule them.

many think that PR rule (in lieu of state government) accounts to a 'magic wand' of sorts where all troubles, complaints will magically be resolved/disappear once BN is toppled.

what i'm trying to say is that many folks consider that anything & everything is the government's fault; since i already pay my taxes, its up to you to do something about it (ie everything, inc pulling a rabbit from the magicians hat)

this is wrong, and i will proceed to explain why.

as a member of society, EVERYONE plays a part to make the society what it is. not just the state government, federal government, local council, dbkl, dbpj, mpsj, your neighbour, neighbour's dog, fleas on neighbour's dog. you get the picture.

local council/government cant do everything by themselves, we have to help them as well, thats how we keep society ordered its a two-way street. just because you pay taxes doesn't mean u can just cross yr hands & order people what to do, you have to play your own part as well.

granted i'm aware as much as any of you there's corruption & stuff, that doesn't change the fact of the matter.

i'll give you an examples of public callousness & apathy.

people complain streets are dirty & city council doesnt do their job. well, if YOU don't throw garbage everywhere, there won't be garbage IN the streets will there? & don't gimme that i-cant-find-d-garbagecan/too-far-i'll-just-throw-it-anywhere excuse.

which brings me to my next point. too many excuses (indirectly, lack of responsibility).

can't this, can't that etc etc..bull***t, i say.

i'll end with this quote, from jfk:

"ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for yours"

'nuff said..