Continuous success in what a business or organization sets itself as goals engenders, over time, a feeling of inevitability. There are daily examples of governments spending money on the premise that because the [say] iron ore price is $150 / tonne, it will remain there. It follows, by false logic, that royalties will bring a particular tax revenue. The 'inevitable' happens, prices decrease, revenue therefore expenditure on services is cut. Governments go into denial, and the economy shrinks. For no forecast reason, the commodity price lifts and the whole cycle, to be sure, perpetuates itself. Fanciful? No, it has just occurred. Speaking with the staff of Frankston Hospital yesterday, Blind Freddy could figure out that governments rely absolutely on organizations like Rotary to plug holes in budget allocation shortfalls. Build a pediatric ward but not supply the special beds? Rotary Mt Eliza will fix that! Clear some scrub and call it a 'local park', bereft of shade trees, or seating, a play area or security lighting? Rotary Mt Eliza will fix that too! More often than not, the first 'we' know about critical need is when we get a special request [usually 'urgently needs']. We have two possibilities [why always two?]. We can run away, or we can find a way to help [read: money]. Being beneficial massochists, Rotarians always opt for 'show me the money'. It focuses one's mind immediately. If the seeds of defeat are sown in victory, what is the lesson? Enter Blind Freddy [thinly disguised as Carolyn Such], stage left, asking: 'What items of equipment do you foresee requiring in the coming 2 to 3 - Year cycle? Stunned silence from Hospital ..... 'No - one ever asked me that before! Can we review your initiative and respond in due course, Blind Freddy?' This is a 'double - edged sword, or scalpel'. How so? It gives us PR and Street Cred with the good people of Frankston. It gives us an objective. If we at Rotary know now that we have a Year or two to raise the Titanic, it is better than getting notice of the task next week. Trust me.
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