Why Do We Do What We Do?

Have you ever watched a car commercial on TV? At the end, there’s always ‘mouse’ type, often taking away what’s being offered in the commercial – or at least attaching conditions to it.

My question is, why is it necessary to have it there in the first place? Or, if it is necessary, why are requirements satisfied by having it in a form that can’t be read or understood?

Much of what the government mandates, though well intentioned, forces people to go through the motions with no intention of of satisfying the need that led to the mandate in the first place.

Let’s use airport security as another example. Today, we hope, airport security is a high priority. Yet there was screening at airports, with x-ray detectors, before September 11. However, we allowed the airlines to satisfy their safety mandate by going through the motions. It was a system rife with problems, populated with lowest bidder employees.

I don’t mean to pick on the airlines or car dealers, because this also applies to banks and anyone who lends money, drugs and dietary supplements, and a host of other products and services.

The point is, if it’s worth doing, do it right. If going through the motions really is enough, why do it at all?