Monday, November 26, 2007

Excuses abound for breaking the rules

Well, even though The Blade editorial board admits that Carty's violating the rules, it's okay, the 'fuss isn't warranted,' and the end justifies the means.

"...we aren't all that disturbed by Mayor Carty Finkbeiner's insistence on breaking the rules at Government Center..."

Because we like dogs too...

"...the mayor is one of those people who believes the rules that govern ordinary folks don't necessarily apply to him."

And since we keep electing him, we obviously want him to continue to disregard all the rules the rest of us have to follow.

"So why should anyone raise a howl over Scout's continued presence in the mayor's office? ... We don't think the fuss is warranted."

After all, it's only our tax dollars that are paying for the staff person who takes Scout out for his breaks and the janitorial staff who has to clean up after the dog in the mayor's office. And that doesn't even mention all the other people who would like their dogs to accompany them to work every day. But if everyone else did that, "the place would soon turn into a zoo, and that would be untenable."

In the end, it's all about Carty's mental health ... and his mental health is more important than any rules for a building. So, the end justifies the means.

"Just think of it as one way to keep the peace in Toledo."

And since the major newspaper in the area isn't going to constantly harp on the mayor's complete and total disregard of the rules, the mayor now has 'permission' to keep bringing Scout to work. He's getting a pass - and, because of this, he will continue to violate the rules with impunity.

Please take a moment to read "Because we let them," and remember - this isn't about a dog. It's about the rules, following them - or not, and setting the example rather than expecting special indulgences because of the position held, which is supposed to be about service and not privilege.

And this is an interesting read - WSPD talk show host Brian Wilson's comparison to George Orwell's "Animal Farm."

6 comments:

-Sepp said...

Privilege is what motivates most of our elected officeholders to run in the first place. Carty is the picture perfect example of vainglory personified.
Come election time, they all tout the honor of "serving" Toledo as if they are sacrificing something in order to be our benevolent leaders...as long as there are perks in place and bent rules to make it all worth their while that is.

Chad Quigley said...

King Carty ....all hale King Carty!

Chad Quigley said...

Hail!..lol

Robin said...

***Rolls eyes*** If the job is that stressful, maybe Carty should consider a career change.

Frank said...

Love Brian's re-write on the whole article!
And we wonder why society is the way it is. It is always..me me me. My rights as mayor. I can do whatever as long as I serve.
Whether he realizes it or not (and a scary thought too) Carty is a role model to others. If public officals can get away with breaking rules, then everyone else can as well.
Too bad Carty found his way back from London....

Hooda Thunkit (Dave Zawodny) said...

Maggie,

One thing I've observed over the years is that:

When politicians and newspapers crawl into bed together, no matter which one has the fleas, everybody wakes up scratching in the morning. . .

Google Analytics Alternative