Logical

I don't know about anyone else but I'm a creature of habit. I need my newspaper with my morning cup of tea. On occasion, I may not read it rightaway because, for instance, I may have to water my plants or because I may get a call. But, I don't like the freedom of choice being taken away.

Anyway, usually, the newspaper is delivered some time between 7-7.15. On weekends, it comes in only after 7.30. Why, I have no clue. For the last few days, however, the chap's been late on week days as well. So, today, I asked him...

Me: Why're you so late every day?
Him, a bit perplexed: Huh?
Me, having to rephrase: Why do you deliver the newspaper so late?
Him: Oh, when I deliver on time every day, you don't say anything. Now, just because I'm late you're complaining?

Er...what?

Selling Out.

Many years ago, a friend and I used to play this game, thinking up improbable and, obviously, hypothetical situations that tested how much we could resist before we sold out. The game was based on the belief that all of us, without exception, have a price. Whether it is for narrow, selfish reasons or for the perceived larger good, in the end, all of us sell out. Of course, it was light-hearted stuff and we had an incredible amount of fun playing it but, without question, the premise of the game was serious.


Without trying to paint myself as a hero, but with the greatest pride, I can claim that, to the best of my knowledge, I've resisted selling out in the real world. At times, I've had to pay a very big price for it but, nevertheless, I've resisted. I've suffered the consequences and I've put up with sarcastic comments from friends ("Nobody's going to give you a medal for it!") but I've had the satisfaction of knowing that I haven't contributed to the corruption in any way.


I lost that game with my friend many times, especially when the stakes got too high. But, in the real world, I have been able to resist every temptation. Until this morning.


I am owed a significant tax refund, which the IT people acknowledged in a telephone call they made to my CA. Two days later, I received a cheque for a little more than ten per cent of that amount. According to the CA, the only way I can get my money back is by paying a bribe. It's not a small amount and, yet, I was willing to forgo the refund because I'm not comfortable with the thought of paying a bribe. But, for days now, my CA has been trying to persuade me to be "practical" and to pay up. In fact, he insisted that if I don't pay, he will.


However, it will be unfair to credit either the CA or his power of persuasion for the decision I've finally taken - to pay the bribe. If anything, it's the money that's at stake here. And, it's certainly not a trifling amount...not for me, at least.


So, this morning, I sent the money to the CA to pay up. I've sold out as well.