Sometime
back I saw two words linked together; they were, "Social
Responsibility".
One
person commenting on this concept basically said that they don't belong in the
small 'c' conservative world -- another said they mean nothing. As a small 'c' conservative, I have to
respectfully disagree. Referencing the
two words, they can, and should, mean the following:
SOCIAL ... relating to the way in which people in groups behave and interact
... relating to
human welfare (well-being
/ safety) and the organized welfare services
that a community provides
RESPONSIBILITY ... the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something ... somebody or something for which a person or
organization is responsible
The words
'Social Responsibility' should NOT, in my opinion, be something negative which
is attached only to the left side of the political spectrum. Being socially responsible is something we as individuals,
and society, should be showing every day -- no matter what our political
leanings may be.
That
said, it should not blindly be given, as a one way street. 'Social Responsibility', or
caring for one and other, is actually a two way street.
We as a
society are responsible to look after the well-being of those who need it, or
are unable to provide it for themselves ... while those receiving it have a responsibility
not to abuse it, and to pass it on when and if they are able.
As a
society -- across the whole realm of the political spectrum -- we as
individuals, and a society, are responsible to give a hand-up, but not a
hand-out.
While speaking purely from a
business aspect, Simon Mainwaring (award-winning branding consultant,
advertising creative director, and social media specialist and blogger, stated
that:
"Transforming a brand into a socially responsible
leader doesn't happen overnight by simply writing new marketing and advertising
strategies. It takes effort to identify a vision that your customers will find
credible and aligned with their values"
I use this quote
only from so much as the viewpoint that all political parties should keep this
in mind. And those seeking the
leadership of the federal Conservative Party need heed them as well.
Does
'social responsibility' belong in the beliefs, principles, and policies of
small 'c' conservatives? You bet it does
... but that's just my opinion.
In Kamloops, I'm Alan
Forseth.
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