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People blame me because these water mains break, but I ask…

“People blame me because these water mains break, but I ask you, if the water mains didn't break, would it be my responsibility to fix them then? WOULD IT!?!” quote by Marion Barry
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“People blame me because these water mains break, but I ask you, if the water mains didn't break, would it be my responsibility to fix them then? WOULD IT!?!”

Marion Barry

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He challenges accountability by asking if responsibility persists when problems are absent.

In simple terms: Responsibility depends on the existence of a problem.

Key Takeaway

Consider responsibility beyond visible failures.

Themes

accountability responsibility politics

Mood

reflective critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public office
  • infrastructure management
  • policy making

Key Concepts

ethical duty causality public service

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do we owe duties only when problems arise?
  • How to define proactive responsibility?
A Different Perspective

If no issue exists, responsibility may be moot.

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