It was like this. I needed to have some repairs done on our
downtown condominium. They involved a good bit of money so I didn’t want to
make a mistake in the hiring of a tradesman. So, I consulted C.W. He seemed
willing to help as always, and that is not always a good sign.
“Thing is, “I said, “I have narrowed it to two choices.
Actually, there are only two contractors that do this sort of work in the
building.”
“And?” He assumed a rather pedantic tone.
“Well, there is Donnie. He comes highly recommended. He is very
knowledgeable about construction techniques. He has experience, and is
extremely thoughtful and courteous. He truly seems to have the best interest of
the client in mind.”
“And?”
“There is Ralph. His work is spotty and inconsistent.
Management has a problem with his neglecting to clean up after his work.”
“And?”
“He is rude to his clients at times, particularly to female
clients. There are also some rumors that he has broken things and not taken responsibility.”
“And?”
“There is a general feeling that he doesn’t seem to care
much about his work.”
“And?”
“That’s all. Those are my choices.”
“Choices?” he said. “It seems pretty obvious to me. Donnie
is your man.”
“There is one problem,” I said.
“And?”
“I know for a fact that Donnie believes in capital
punishment.”
“And?”
“I don’t.”
“You don’t?”
“No. I think it is a barbaric custom and we should outlaw it
as most civilized countries have.”
“And?”
“I can’t see my way clear to hiring a man who believes in
capital punishment.”
He took a moment to think. Then he looked at me with that
stare he uses when our species has truly confused him. He said, “May I ask you
a question?”
“Certainly,” I said.
“Just what the hell does his belief in criminal justice have
to do with working on your condo?”
“I just can’t select someone who doesn’t believe the way I
do.”
“Even when they are otherwise qualified far above the other
choice?”
“You just don’t understand how much this single issue means
to me,” I said. “I guess it sounds bizarre to you.”
“No,” he said. “In fact it seems to be the way a great
number of your species selects a political candidate.”
That set me back on my heels and I couldn’t answer.
“Did it ever occur to you,” he said, “that in working
together you might understand better why he feels the way he does?”
 |
| Choosing wisely seems to be a job that confuses a great many of your species. - C.W. |
I still had no answer.
He continued. “Or,” he said, “have you considered the
possibility that exposure to your fine example might cause him to modify his
position? And in the meantime, you would be benefiting from quality work.”
“But,” I said, “he believes in capital punishment.”
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