The Blame Game

I don't think there is anything humans do better then blaming. Usually though, the blame is misplaced or overblown. It has become apparent to me that where blame goes is not as important as the fact that someone is blamed. I guess people feel better if someone takes the heat.

On September 11th, when terrorists attacked, who was to blame? In the 4 years since the event, I've heard of pretty much one name that was to blame. George Bush. Last time I checked, he wasn't the one that was flying those planes as 3000 people died! Last time I checked he wasn't the one planning the event for 5 years! Never have I heard anyone blame the ones responsible, it's always been the governments fault, and by default George Bush. If there was any pre-attack intel that said it was going to happen, and if that intel wasn't acted on in a way that a logical normal person would, then that should be investigated, and people should be disciplined. But still, no matter what lapses of intel there was, it was still terrorists that did the murder, not the government and not the president. Unfairly, the blame for Sept. 11th has been laid on him many times. Let's put the blame where it belongs, on the murdering terrorists. May they burn in hell.

A similar situation happened with Katrina. While I will admit the government failed more there then in some other situations, the blame being thrown around that it makes me wonder if people believe that George Bush was the one flooding New Orleans! I guess it's the governments fault that people didn't evacuate before a major hurricane hit. Any mistakes made by the government should be addressed, and blame should be laid for that, but to hold someone responsible for an act of nature, that's just ridiculous. The hurricane was the one that poured rain, had 100+ miles an hour winds, and flooded the region. No person could have done that, and no person should be blamed.

I am not saying the government, or Bush, should be held blameless, but we should also remember that the government is run by people, just like you and I. And people make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes cost lives. It is heartbreaking and unfortunate. But to go overboard and blame everything on them is unfair. Everyone makes mistakes, and while those mistakes should be dealt with, people don't need to be crucified. Questions should be asked, fair judgment should be rendered, policy should be changed or tightened up, but over reaction needs to be held in check.

The thing is, terrorist attacks are going to happen, earthquakes, hurricanes or whatever are going to happen. No matter what security we have, terrorists will find their way around it. No matter how secure we think we are against nature, natural disasters are going to happen. We should not blame those that had nothing to do with the cause. Blame should be placed where it belongs in amounts that are justified. Remember, the government is gargantuan, and the president, or any worker is just one cog with varying degrees of power and ability. To automatically and completely lay blame on any one person is irrational and stupid. Each person should be blamed, and accept the blame for what they actually did, and policy should be put in place so it hopefully doesn't happen again. The government isn't all knowing, nor all controlling. It can't be the fall guy for everything that happens as it has been in recent years. Instead, blame who is really at fault, and blame the government for what it actually is at fault for, late or non-existent relief efforts for example.

Blame is important, holding people accountable is important, fixing mistakes is important, but over-blame is dangerous. If everyone is afraid to be crucified over ever mistake they make, or being connected with any mistake made, where is the incentive to do anything? If I think I'm going to get blamed for someone's death by trying to save their life, why should I? Why should I aspire to be president if I'm held liable for every tiny thing the government does? I'd rather just sit at home and watch Oprah all day.

Ok, rant over, I'm feeling better now.