Saturday, June 20, 2015

Prevention and Remedy


It is easier to sell remedy than prevention. Some problem or pain has already arrived when remedy is sought but, despite all indicators, people tend to regard prevention as speculative. "Hey, it might not happen" is a fond wish and often it comes true. Most of us have worried about troubles which never transpired. Later on, we chastised ourselves for being fearful.

If you think being the bearer of bad news is hard, try being the bearer of bad news before it happens. Justifying expenditures on prevention has special challenges. I believe it was the late, great Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn who, when asked how much should be spent on defense, replied, "Enough." As Shakespeare would say, "There's the rub."

We hope we've invested enough in prevention and yet we won't know until the sad day comes when our precautions are tested. One of the unfair aspects of life is that many a reputation is built on saving a situation but few accolades are given to the person who prevents the crisis. In the aftermath of a successful recovery, so much attention is given to the victors of the moment that it seems churlish to request a review of how we got into the damned mess to begin with.

The wisest decision makers know that the disaster which didn't happen is the sweetest victory of all. They invest in prevention.

No comments: