Signal Tribune Newspaper

by Neena Strichart

Many of us have felt the effects of the recent financial crisis- and some more than others. Nevertheless, I don’t believe money problems excuse bad or irresponsible behavior. In my opinion, the have-nots blame the haves, and the haves have little compassion for the have-nots.
Television shows like My Super Sweet Sixteen glorify the excesses showered on a privileged few teenagers that, when viewed by the average youngster, may make him or her feel underprivileged or worse- under loved. I worry about what those types of shows will teach our youth. How will these kids fend for themselves in the real world if Mommy and Daddy pull the plug on the checkbook? Will they lower their standards, ethics and morals to get what they believe they deserve?
It is my understanding that the financial predicament we are finding ourselves in is due to overspending, and just plain not living within our means. Our parents had charge cards that were paid at the end of the month. If they wanted something they couldn’t afford, it was put on layaway- a concept now coming back into fashion.
Bigger, better, shinier cars, televisions, etc. - we want more and we want it NOW. What the heck ever happened to delayed gratification?
The front-page article in today’s paper about a former Signal Hill employee clearly makes my point. Now, although I am not judging- that will be up to a jury or judge to decide a guilty or not guilty verdict- the story illustrates what’s happening all over our country. People are making choices, taking chances with their good names and reputations in the name of gathering more stuff. People who want it all should realize that you can’t have everything. If you did, where would you put it all?
In a different case- taken from an LBPD press release- is another matter:
On Monday, October 20, 2008, at approximately 4:30 a.m., an off-duty Long Beach police officer was arrested by the Anaheim Police Department in connection with a domestic dispute and assault with a deadly weapon that occurred in the City of Anaheim that morning. The 26-year-old officer had been a sworn police officer for six months and was a probationary employee.
Upon notification, the Long Beach Police Department immediately initiated an administrative review of the incident. Based on the actions of the officer and his probationary status, he was served with a probationary dismissal, which terminated his employment with the Long Beach Police Department.
What do the two cases have in common? They have both allegedly betrayed their employers, turned their backs on the public’s trust and have let down their fellow employees- past and/or present- sometimes causing morale problems for supervisors to deal with.
My dad always said that your word is your bond; your reputation is really all you have. Let’s all try to remember those words. Your stuff can be repossessed, stolen, lost or misplaced- but your integrity and reputation are legal tender.

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