This is an issue that permeates through the fabric of life, it affects all people from young to old, rich to poor, and all ethnic backgrounds; it’s the issue of not wanting to be responsible and held accountable for your own actions. I believe that it ultimately stems from roots of selfishness and inconsideration for the well-being of others.

I’ve always felt that the greatest weights lie on the shoulders of the wise and the intelligent people in society; because of the belief that “those who know better, should do better“. No one should expect the average teenager to think about the repercussions of his/her actions when making decisions, but we should expect our leaders in our community and in our country to make wise unbiased decisions; decisions that help the people who support them.

Now I know there aren’t any perfect people in this world… including me. So I understand that everyone will eventually make a mistake, if they haven’t made millions of them already. And, I believe one of the best ways to learn is to learn from your mistakes. Yet in our society right now, a lot of people, including our pastors and political leaders, habitually make mistakes and they don’t have anyone to make them accountable for their mistakes. The greatest accountability is conviction, and most people live their lives without it.

Great success, knowledge, fame, fortune… requires great responsibility. How can one have a car, and not maintain it. If you benefit from something or someone, don’t be inconsiderate, but show your responsibility by showing valuing to that which has benefited you. People who are irresponsible with their talents or gifts not only hurt themselves and hinder others around them from reaching their full potential, but they also provide a bad example  to everyone who sees them.

I feel that we as a people need to be more considerate, accountable and responsible in these three areas the most.

■ RELATIONSHIPS ▬ How many children are raised in single parent homes without a father? I don’t know the exact number, but I know it’s a lot. Our young men and young women need to think about how their decisions will affect their lives and the life of their families. And, I know that we all make bad choices! But, fathers please take care of your children. How many people have been greatly blessed by their friends or family members, yet they never take the time to call or visit them? It’s time to be more thoughtful and considerate of the people who invested their time and energy into you. Let other people consider us to be an asset to them and not a liability.

■ GOVERNMENT ▬ How many times have our government officials, who are representatives of us by the way, make decisions and vote for legislature which doesn’t align with the views of the majority of the people they represent? We as a people need to be more tuned in to those we elect into political offices and what they are doing. The only way we can make them accountable is by our votes and our voices.

■ NATURE ▬ The US is second only to China when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions(1). Another thing I just can’t understand is how people can just not want to recycle? We all know that the Amazon rainforest is going through deforestation(2), and the glaciers in the Arctic are melting at a great rate… When you think about all this, it can be a little overwhelming; but, if we all do a little, like recycle and support causes that value our climate and fight to stop unnecessary pollution, we can make a change. We all receive the benefits of life, let’s be responsible humans and give back to nature by not being so wasteful.