If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
I ran errands today. Every step helped to clarify a
distinction between conservative and liberal values that has been itching in
the corners of my mind: Conservatives
like to harvest what they can; they tend to avoid risk and evade personal
responsibility for needed change. Liberals like to create and build; they tend
to take personal and collective initiative when change is needed.
I live in a conservative rural area and do business in a
nearby conservative town. Everywhere I stopped to take care of an errand, I met
a situation that needed improvement and people who felt no responsibility for
making things better.
My wife, Dianna, and I had decided to cancel our regional
newspaper subscription. The circulation representative told her that it was
easier if we just let funds, already in our account, run out and so we agreed
to accept daily delivery of birdcage liner for another six weeks. Naturally, we
were surprised to receive a renewal notice in the mail. I took the invoice into
the circulation department. A slightly huffy lady told me not to worry, that I
had a stop-date card in the drawer and that’s just the way their computer
works. I was irritated but held my tongue. I’m a retired computer systems
manager and have strong sensibilities about responsible data management.
