Whose fault is it?

and If you read this column and don’t like it, which one of us is at fault: Me or You?

It could be me, since I came up with the idea, committed my thoughts to written form and then helped put this magazine in front of you.

But it could be you, because you decided to invest your time reading it — I didn’t force it upon you.

Or maybe the fault lies with the editor here at the Advocate who read the column after I turned it in; she must have thought it was OK, because if it wasn’t, she would have prevented it from being published. That way you wouldn’t have had to waste your time reading it.

I received my degree in journalism from Northwestern University; maybe it’s the fault of someone at the school. I took out a student loan to take the writing classes, but if I didn’t learn enough, it’s probably the professors’ fault rather than mine, because I worked pretty hard when I was there. If the professors weren’t good teachers, how could I be expected to learn?

Of course, taking out that loan put a lot of pressure on me; it was hard to concentrate sometimes. Maybe the government and politicians should have made it easier to afford college; it’s not my fault I didn’t have a lot of money.

Speaking of money, my mom and dad could have something to do with this problem, too. When I was growing up, they didn’t encourage me to become a journalist, probably because they didn’t know anyone who made a living writing.

And since they didn’t enthusiastically encourage me to follow my dream, my feelings were hurt, and that put a damper on my motivation to work hard to be a writer, and if I’m not motivated to do something, it’s hard to do it right.

I mean, I don’t see too many people taking responsibility for their actions anywhere — corporate, government or private individuals. All I see in the media is fingerpointing and shoulder-shrugging and excuse-making, and if everyone else can do things that way, I should be able to do the same thing, too.

But you’re diverting my attention here. Let’s reconsider your involvement again: I worked hard on this column, and although I admit this is a departure from what I usually write, shouldn’t I be allowed to try something new from time to time? And shouldn’t you encourage me to do that by giving me positive feedback, even if you don’t really like what I’ve done?

So if it’s not my fault that you don’t like this column, whose responsibility is it to make it better next month?

It could be mine, since I’m the writer, and it’s my job to come up with ideas, but it could be your responsibility to give me another chance even if this column wasn’t what you thought it would be.

Look, all of this has to be someone else’s fault or responsibility, so maybe you should take a good look in the mirror because I can tell you right now, after talking my way through this, I really don’t think any of this is my fault, or my responsibility, and I resent the fact that you’re blaming me

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Comments

White Rock tragedy

On July 8, lakehighlands.advocatemag.com reported that a man was missing after falling into White Rock Lake from his paddleboard. The following morning, his body was found.

Search: paddleboard dead

This is tragic, but I have a question. Do they not require life jackets? I used to be a competitive swimmer, yet I would still wear a life jacket to do this. One should anticipate that Mother Nature could surprise you. I don’t care how strong of a swimmer you are. If you get overturned, hit in the head by your boat, or get disoriented, you need a life jacket. —Kmt7

Texas law requires that anyone under 13 must wear a life jacket on the water. Sadly enough, an adult has the option to wear or not wear a life jacket but is required to have one for each person on board his boat. The regulation of stand up paddleboards (SUPs) is currently a gray area with the state of Texas. There are no set state statutes regarding SUPs, so, for the time being, the U.S. Coast Guard rules are used and the SUP is classified as a “vessel.” The same “under 13” rules mentioned above are used by the USCG. My fear of this whole dilemma is that our city fathers will, as usual, overreact and set up ridiculous rules and regulations that affect those of us who always have safety first in mind.

—Mikepaddle

Capitvating images

The July Lake Highlands Advocate featured a portfolio of the wildlife at White Rock Lake. Online extras include a narrated video and web exclusive photos.

lakehighlands.avocatemag.com

Search: Robert Bunch

Thanks for the absolutely breathtaking wildlife photos from Robert Bunch. I hope

C. C. Young Home Health and Hospice Services