Command Responsibility

Command Responsibility

This concept is most strongly associated with war crimes. But there is an additional interpretation.

When I was in command of troops, I knew that it was to be considered at all times by a commander in every aspect of every detail. For me personally it went far beyond the concept that any bad actions by those under your command are your direct responsibility. Leading by example is the best way to establish an environment where proper behavior and expectations are clearly articulated by a leader (this is in addition to a comprehensive understanding by everyone of the laws, rules, and regulations that are your duty to know) and good behavior is rewarded while inappropriate behavior is punished. Beyond all that how bout common courtesy, I like to sum up my thoughts on this with a simple test: "What would your Mother say?"

The current crop of leaders in our Executive and Legislative Branches of Government are clearly devoid of even a basic understanding of this concept (do you know anyone else who gets to unilaterally decide what they will be paid WITH OUR MONEY...). Additionally, at least for me, I believe that with greater responsibility and position comes an even greater burden to live up to the ideals associated with Representing your Country in an Honorable and Commendable manner. This point is clearly lost on most of the folks in DC and is an experimentally verifiable fact by simply reviewing their actions.

Not everyone will be a Platinum Record Rapper or a Sports Superstar. Where are the heroes for the next generation of youngsters in this country? In an environment where the highest paid skill is the ability to make money with no consideration for the ethics or morals (and in some cases the legality) associated with how that money is made what do you expect will happen? If we don't start demanding accountability for inappropriate behavior, and create an environment where of the champions of Freedom, Democracy, and Advancement of the State of The Art can thrive, George Orwell's 1984 will pail in comparison to where we are headed (one can reasonable argue that we are well on our way).