BROKEN PROMISES

SMALL BREACHES LEAD TO BIG ONES

Petty Annoyances

This idea began with my frustration when I noticed that a lot of product packaging is a lie.  In one example, the box of Cheezits is the same size as previously, but when you open it, there is a much smaller bag of crackers with a huge amount of space between the bag and the top of the box.  They’ve simply reduced the product volume while charging the same (or more) for what appears to be the same product value.  A small issue, but one that got me thinking.

I’ve also heard that cheating in school is on the rise.  Even top students find themselves trapped into cheating because “everyone else is doing it.”  They’re afraid that with curve-grading, they will fall short of their goals if they play it fair.  The widely-known exploits of Lance Armstrong, famous winner of multiple Tours de France, empowered others to follow his lead.  There is an implied promise when you go to school that you will be honorable, i.e., that you won’t cheat.

Jussie Smollett is another example, still proclaiming his innocence after being found guilty of blaming Trump supporters (in his mind, white supremacists) of attacking him.  When you start believing your own lies, you’re in real trouble.

Bigger Issues

We no longer trust politicians who appear to be willing to say anything to get elected.  While many claim to hate Trump, he basically told us what he planned to do, and then he did it.  You might not have liked what he did, but those who voted for him got what he promised to do.  Biden promised to be a fracture-healing moderate and instead channeled his inner Bernie Sanders.  We watched major names violate the rules they imposed on us during Covid, making ridiculous excuses why they should be exempt.  The falling approval ratings show what people think of these excuses.

However, the impact of failing to honor their pledges and promises impact us all.  When you say your main goal is to “stop the virus” but all you do is continue failed policy, you continue to impact working people and continue the fear addiction too many have succumbed to.  When the Supreme Court is asked (and agrees to) pass laws rather than judge the law based on the Constitution, everyone is impacted.

The Big Enchilada

And now, we have Ukraine.  Putin promised the people of Ukraine not to ever go after them if they would give up the nukes.  He lied.  He had no intention of abandoning is goal of reuniting the failed USSR complex.  He wanted “lebensraum,” a phrase that may not resonate with younger folks.  Hitler also wanted lebensraum (room to live), which meant that as he lied to the world, he planned to grab as much real estate as he could.  And yes, I’m using Hitler as an analogy, a far more proper use of this than most in the past few years.  Hitler got support from many countries because they believed his lies, as people have believed Putin’s lies.  It’s interesting and important that he didn’t try this under President Trump.

You can trust that China and North Korea do not feel limited by the truth.  Instead, you can pretty much ignore what they say and simply watch how they act.  And it isn’t pretty.  Let’s stop pretending that they aren’t evil and demented.  The trifecta of horrific world leaders should make us all pause.

What’s the Answer?

Nothing is ever simple, but it can start with each of us.  First, hold yourself accountable and make “your word your bond.”  For many years, contracts were completed with a handshake because for almost everyone, what they said mattered.  We need to honor our promises, large and small, and strive to be honorable in every dealing.  Promote the concept of being an honest, reliable person by being such a person, exemplifying the concept.

Hold people you know to these values.  As an example, when someone betrays your trust, such a failing to repay a loan, tell them why you can never trust or befriend them again.  Make it clear that it isn’t just about money; it’s about honor.

Hold companies accountable.  Stop buying products that attempt to mislead and cheat you.  Write to them or post negative comments about them on social media.

And finally, lying politicians should never be entitled to your vote.  When it is an international problem, we need to consider our relationship to countries like China and Russia.  I applaud that Total Wine is no longer selling Russian vodka.  We can all adjust our purchasing, as much as is feasible.  In some cases, such as cars, it is impossible to know the sourcing of all the components.

But first, make a pledge to keep your promises and act honorably.  Be the person you want everyone to be.