by Jeff Charlebois

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: July 09, 2009

There is a dying art in the world today. It is called taking responsibility for one's own actions. It usually means that you were wrong doing something. But, come on, who wants to ever admit they were wrong?

I must admit, irresponsibility is a big peeve of mine. The reason why is because, simply put, I'm a responsible guy. I make my bed. I do the dishes. I pay my taxes and, you know what? I don't want to but, unfortunately, that's part of being a grown up. I'm tired of cleaning up everyone else's sloppy life choices. I wouldn't mind going out every night and getting hammered and sleeping all day. I would like to buy things I can't afford than file bankruptcy and let the tax payers take on my responsibility to pay for it. Is it my job to pay for your health care because some drug like heroine was calling your name? I have kids, believe me it's not always a day at the beach. But as much as I hate to admit (at times) I'm responsible for them. Responsibility means playing by the rules and accepting the consequences for your actions.

In the olden days, your name meant a lot, and people would do everything they could not tarnish it. If they borrowed money, often over a handshake, they would do what they needed to alleviate the debt. Rather than be labeled a deadbeat they would sell the cow, buggy wagon or the plowing horse. Crazy, isn't it? Paying back a debt. An often overlooked trait but responsibility helped build this country. Back then, kids learned responsibility early in life. They had to do crazy things like chores, and, not so they could get money to buy something cool to play with but because it was expected of the household. They gave whoopings back then. It was amazing how quickly a child learned responsibility. Today you can't spank your kid or you'll be held responsible for trying to teach him how to be responsible.

It's not just individuals who bear the burden of reckless behavior but also society. When you live in an irresponsible world, anything goes. I know it's hard to believe but when you toss a lit cigarette out the window it can start a brush fire. Do us a favor a just swallow it. As for you litterbugs, I know you think the world looks prettier with your fast food wrappers decorating the landscape, but you're no Renoir. Keep your art in the garbage can where it belongs, otherwise it gets swept into our water systems. I don't like when a Burger King wrapper touches my leg when I'm swimming in the ocean.

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