Robin SmithToo much time, energy and money are spent dealing with those who can't seem to function as adults in the real world. Whether it's those who can't seem to keep a job because of drug use or laziness, or those who can't seem to apply self-discipline to gain needed skills or those who are committed to the enterprise of crime, urban gang activity or white-collar theft, their cost to society is much too high.
But for the countless many who rise every day, take care of their family, present themselves on time and prepared to be productive in the workplace, spend time volunteering at their local school or in their community, obey the law and pay their taxes, this column's for you!
In times past, it would be considered an expectation to do the aforementioned as an adult in society. Just as in a job evaluation, taking care of those responsibilities would "meet expectations." It's time to frown upon those able-bodied adults who drain our community of its value and resources and honor those who contribute to the worth of our society.
Green Bay Packers legendary coach Vince Lombardi observed, "The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything." King Solomon spoke of work in Proverbs: "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." To those who show up, do their job, contribute to the delivery of a service or the making of a product or good, thank you. Your work is so very important to our community.
Winston Churchill, prime minister of the United Kingdom and Nobel Laureate, quipped, "The price of greatness is responsibility." Most don't aspire to greatness, but those who are responsible - accountable for their own decisions and actions - are truly great in the scheme of a functioning community. Without prodding, without threat of consequence, those who are responsible are the very spine on which all order hangs.
King Solomon drew attention to the ant to criticize the sluggard who rejects personal responsibility: "You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy - do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent house guest!" To all who daily choose personal responsibility, thank you.
President Theodore Roosevelt declared, "Politeness is a sign of dignity, not subservience." The virtues and courtesies displayed by individuals in a community determine the morality and culture of that community. Simply, as Confucius observed, "Respect yourself and others will respect you." For those who have personal dignity in their conduct, their reputation and their own legacy, small or great within their family and community, your contribution to the health of our community is significant.
Mark Graban, a consultant in health care organization and productivity, teaches, "You get what you expect, and you deserve what you tolerate." In the workplace, in the classroom, in the community and in our homes, this truth applies.
Salute! To all who meet and exceed the expectations of contributing value to our society through their own personal discipline and self-respect.
Robin Smith, a former chairwoman of the Tennessee Republican Party, is owner of Rivers Edge Alliance.