'But everyone speeds'
2005-07-20 14:46
Dear Editor,
I have a number of things to say regarding Teazers owner Lolly Jackson's comments in the article Teazers boss: I just got caught.
1: "I am a good driver. I have never been in an accident."
Any driver who has had an accident can attest that often it's not about how good a driver you are, it's about the stupid things that other road-users (drivers and pedestrians) do.
Never having had an accident doesn't make you a good driver nor does it grant you immunity from having an accident in the future. Sometimes it's just not within your control.
2: "I know what I did was wrong, but many people drive at those speeds - I was just the one that got caught."
Mr Jackson acknowledges his wrong-doing and then tries to justify it. Make up your mind. What are you actually trying to say?
3: That old children's complaint of "everyone else is doing it".
As a child, I often whined about what everyone else did when my parents refused me something. Their response to me is just as applicable to Mr Jackson - if everyone else is sticking their head in the fire are you going to as well?
Wrongdoing by others does not absolve you of yours nor does it justify your actions. What message are we sending to the young people today?
That it's alright to speed or cheat on your taxes or park on red No Stopping lines on the basis of "everyone else is doing it"?
How will we ever build a law-abiding, law-respecting society if what we say and what we do contradict each other so blatantly?
Every one of us has a responsibility to uphold all aspects of the law, not just the ones that suit us and our lifestyles.
4: Remorse?
Does Mr Jackson express any remorse in this article? Yes, there is some regret, regret that he was caught, but no remorse for having broken the law.
I think you need to grow up and take some responsibility for your actions and the poor example you have set, Mr Jackson.
Jennifer Luiz
Johannesburg
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