People everywhere love to talk about rights. Their rights.

• Human right;
• Right to freedom of speech;
• Right to peace and prosperity;
• Right to education;
• Right to clean environment;
• Right to… etc.

These are all noble and I fully support these ideals. However, it would be unfair if we talk about rights without talking about responsibilities. Privileges cannot come without obligations!

I am no legal expert, neither do I have the moral authority to talk on such lofty subject. But on a micro-level, this seems to be just as pervasive and irritating:

Have we not come across at least one of these situations in our lives?

• Most leaders want to be glorified, yet do not lead with fairness and justice; some make promises but conveniently forget them;
• All business owners want the profits, but some do not consider the needs and feelings of their customer, especially after the sale is done;
• All customers want the best service & products, yet some are unwilling to pay for what they get;
• All employers want loyal and hardworking staff. Yet many do not believe they deserve to be rewarded for their work, that they too have families, kids and dreams in life;
• Every employee wants good pay and great benefits, but some add no value to the companies they work for; they think somehow their bosses owe it to them, to pay them for their being there;
• Every husband wants to be respected as “head of the house” but some would not provide or take care of the family as they should;
• Every woman want to be loved unconditionally yet they would not suffer with their men together in crisis, many even flee when their husbands are down and out;
• Most people want health yet some don’t see why they need to take care of their bodies;
• Most people want clean environment, yet some do not see why they cannot litter or “accidentally” leave litter behind;

The list is endless. We all talk about our rights, our privileges… yet how often do we stop and say, “Ok, if I am assured of my rights, what is expected of me in return?”

Privileges come with obligations.

Rights come with responsibilities.