The Change We Deserve Comes at a Steep Price

At 41 years of age, I am starting to become a grumpy old man. So when I saw people on FB "debating" how the Germans can do this, I start to philosophize about how we are, as we are today. What made the Germans and the Japanese so orderly? I am sure that some young one, would be studying these cultures as a topic of their thesis some day. 

I replied to the FB thread and posited a challenge and a rhetorical question: 

I'm happy that we are discussing this. It's a little bit of social science and a little bit of philosophy.

I've been following some Japanese "shorts" showing how orderly Japan is, and marveling at how they do that as well.

Among the answers I found here are:

1. Law enforcement
2. Discipline - with some dissent
3. Culture - with some reservations
4. Fines
5. Education

I would offer the notion that it's all of the above. Now, if we combine these 5 ideas, we'll actually get to the bottom of this.

The problem with **law enforcement** is the sheer number of **undisciplined** people in our country. The **culture** of **corruption** is deeply ingrained, that **fines** are subverted because **corruption** allows people to make bribes. Our **education** system has also been **corrupted** because all that is being taught today, is to get out of the country so that "you'll make it.". **Law enforcement** is also difficult because our **leaders** are not accountable. They are often exempted. The mass **culture** is of personal gratification rather than collective responsibility. More often than not, the defense of errant drivers is **what about that guy**. Or, what about politician X, who did not even pay estate tax. ad infinitum. 

So here are the boldest questions: the change we need is going to be tough. It has to be cultural. And it will require changes.

Are we really ready for the change that we need?

Do we really even want to change?

Have a pleasant morning to all of us.

P.S. Lawrence Celestino - you really remind me of my younger self. I hope you are successful in your - in **our** dream of an orderly society. The question really is - what is the next BIG STEP? Is it still possible given the leadership we currently have?

Are there people willing to risk their lives to make this happen? Because, as you have said - people are violent. That is true.