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July 29, 2005
OFF LEASH: On the subject of accidents
"Off Leash" is an occasional column by Fiddler.
The dictionary reminds us that an accident is a "sudden event that occurs without intent or volition." Another authoritative source (Elvis Costello) tells us that "accidents will happen." And yet there is a tendency in certain quarters to scold -- or, in some cases, punish -- those responsible for accidents. Even the word "responsible" is misleading: How can one be responsible for something if one did not intend it to happen? By definition, no one is truly at fault when an accident occurs. Therefore the assignation of blame or the imposition of penalties is unjustified and, in the end, counterproductive. Instead we should simply acknowledge that an accident has occurred and start cleaning up the mess. Metaphorically, I mean.
Posted by teb at July 29, 2005 10:58 AM