Blaming 'the system' ....

When you are part or a large NGO or Non-Profit Organisation, and you are trusted with access to funds for use 'at your discretion' - a small part of your brain/consciousness/pyshe kicks-in. If you are an honorable, honest type of person you normally defer the using this 'public' money for it's pre-determined use. If you have any doubts as to whether your spending is subject to any error, you would normally seek some form of clarification from superiors or peers.

If, however your peers have an unspoken (or even spoken) agreement that, as there is no recourse for any actions you make in utilizing this funding for any means necessary, you are welcome to spend this money for our own uses, often submit the same expense more than once, or disregard any guidelines provided ... well, the group mentality prevails.

Under this 'premise' you can use the funds for items/services you see fit. Now, with the common understanding that "everyone else is doing - so why shouldn't I" you become comfortable living the lie that what you are doing is okay. And by "doing" - I mean embezzling public money. Or theft as a public servant. Which in most organizations results in instant dismissal and even legal action.

But, wait a minute. Once your spending is audited/investigated (or if it makes you feel better we can call it "reviewed") and you and MANY others are blatantly caught stealing/lying - you can easily cry that it was all just a silly misunderstanding. The guidelines were "confusing". You didn't realise it was inappropriate, and immediately offer to refund the money that was spent "out of your own pocket".

Bravo.

Now, we've cleared that up let's move on to the bigger issues, like supporting a Bake Sale for Haiti.

You would think and MLA (member of the legislative assembly) the body of people elected in each province and territory to make and pass laws - would have a firm understanding of right and wrong.

I feel VERY STRONGLY these MLAs should be charged as petty criminals - stealing public money to furnish (sometimes literally) their own lifestyles - at the expense of the people that are expected to represent.
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It's pretty simple really - it's the LEGAL SYSTEM after all - and people elected in our community to make and pass laws should know - and fully expect - to be held accountable for their actions, then face the consequences of the Canadian legal system!

Even the Chronicle Herald Editorial on the subject (The Chronicle Herald) gets resounding approval from local Nova Scotian readers.

Shame on you all: Deputy Premier Frank Corbett, Agriculture Minister John MacDonell, Yarmouth MLA Richard Hurlburt, Former Tory MLA Judy Streatch, Speaker Charlie Parker, Rodney MacDonald and Liberal MLA Wayne Gaudet.

.... MLAs MUST PAY!




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