Some people don't believe in personal responsibility, and they show it

published May 13, 2009 02:06 by admin ( last modified May 13, 2009 02:06 )

Regarding the parliamentary expense claims in Britain: It is interesting that some people, when caught doing something naughty, don't simply recant and say "It is my fault, I did something wrong".

Instead they lament that they were caught and that they have lost career opportunities, reputation, and what not. They do not apologise or feel sorry, and the public for some strange reason accepts that as if it were an apology! Why do we do that? Below are some excerpts from an article in the Guardian about Junior minister Phil Hope, where I have boldfaced some parts

In a statement, the minister said that he was returning the money because of the "massive blow" caused to his reputation by the revelation that he had spent so much furnishing a two-bedroom flat in London.

...

In his statement Hope said that, although he followed the rules laid down by parliament, he wanted to restore the "trust" and the relationship he had with his constituents. He said the impression given by the revelations about his expenses was "dreadful".

There is not a hint of remorse or an apology. He laments the blow to his reputation. He understands that the impression he gives is "dreadful".

Now as far as I understand the British rules on this, he has not committed outright thievery. But imagine a burglar who gets caught, saying: "I am very sad and sincerely regret the pain and suffering this puts on upon me due the massive blow to my reputation", followed by "It is really dreadful. Well, not the act of burglary per se, but the impression I give by me getting caught".

Now, it would be just as easy for the junior minister to fake remorse and regret, but the strange thing is that apparently he does not need to do that. I suppose there is some transparency in the system :-)