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Written by Laura Hamlett Monday, 09 July 2007 03:00

 Let's take responsibility for our own actions, how 'bout it? Let's honor our commitments. Let's be true to our words.

Love 'em. Hate 'em. Frustrated by 'em.

There's a reason I walk dogs. And work from home, largely alone with my cats and ferrets.

I love music. I love bands. I love that we—all of us—are all connected. We're all part of the universe, this life. We're all just trying to get by.

But, really, sometimes I think life should come with a rule book. Maybe just suggestions, etiquette, ways to behave.

Like, for instance, don't use email to say what you really need to discuss live in person or by telephone.

Or don't say one thing when you mean entirely another. (Yeah, I just read the article on radical truth in Esquire magazine. What of it?)

Or don't let your ego get in the way or accomplishing something really cool, something that will benefits lots of people, your community, your hometown, your friends. Share your visions, your ideas; be prepared to fight for them, if need be. But recognize when you're outvoted, or another idea is better for a given situation. Work together. Compromise.

Band people, let's face it, are among the worst. Our society holds that rock 'n' roll lifestyle up as something to strive for: alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, irresponsibility.

But fuck, people: Let's take responsibility for our own actions, how 'bout it? Let's honor our commitments. Let's be true to our words.

I love making things happen, and I love doing things for people (despite often hating them; I really am a peacenik at heart). I'm quick to compromise, to admit my mistakese.

But I'm thinking maybe it's time I quit being so flexible. Maybe it's time I stopped accepting the excuses and started holding people accountable.

After all, I do what I say I'm going to do; I couldn't do my job(s) if I didn't. Why shouldn't everyone else be expected to follow through on their words, as well?

Fuck 'em if they can't (or won't); I don't have time for that anymore.