In my working life I dealt with many contracts. We had a standard form drilling contract back in the 70s that had been in use for ages. It was created by a committee of drilling contractors and operators. We used it onshore for a very long time without very much conflict or contention. In time though things became more litigous with new players in the mix. Relationships died, reputation became less important and many other things. The contract grew and grew and grew all the time adding clauses based on some event that some party swore to never allow to happen again. The standard contract disappeared and was replaced by a monster and individual operator general service agreements.
My late Dad, also an engineer dealing with many contracts, said they were only as good as the relationship, intentions, principals, reputation, honor and all that other ancient goody stuff of the people who signed and managed the contract. In my experience I came to say that contracts only became to form the framework for litigation between two belligerents.
These days, when it comes to legality and money I only expect people to first do what serves themselves best. Very few ever say, "You are right, I am wrong, I will make this right." Even more seldom do you hear someone say, "That is my responsibility. I will take care of your problem and report back to you soon."
“Some” presidential immunity”
Leave the door cracked just enough to give Smith an excuse to continue to pursue this insanity.
For that situation to improve, society will have to reach a place where there’s really no point in worshiping money and MBAs anymore.
“Even more seldom do you hear someone say, “That is my responsibility. I will take care of your problem and report back to you soon.”
So true.
When I worked in fancy hotels, even as an accountant, if a guest made a request it was YOUR responsibility to make it happen. Calling housekeeping or maintenance wasn’t good enough. You had to be sure it was done.