Writing as someone saddled with the besetting sin of seeing both sides of every question, I can’t help wondering if I would behave any better if by chance I found myself in the same position as the financiers so much in the firing line at the present time. Would I have had the strength of mind, the sense of right and wrong to blow the whistle at the appropriate time? I would like to think so, but what in my own life could make me think that I would do so?
What prompts such thoughts? The other day I was watching a talk show and found myself grinning inanely at the remarks of some guest or other. What sort of crazed politeness induces me to do this, if not an abject wish to ingratiate myself at a distance with someone I couldn’t care less about one way or the other? Or again, I might smile politely as I meet a nodding acquaintance in the street, only to find myself 100 yards further on with the same ghastly smile pasted on my face.
It all bodes ill for my ability or even wish to stand up to a dictator when he or she comes along.
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