Okay, let's just admit it. When men are trusted to police their own actions, we tend to stray toward more power. By power, I mean status, money, influence, authority, and so on...

Below is an article about electrical contractors performing self-inspections, in order to expedite the re-construction and restoration process in a post-Katrina New Orleans. One doesn't have to research very deeply to find mounds of evidence that when not held accountable, people will try to slip by the system; the very safeguards put into place to protect lives.

Would you throw your infant into the swimming pool without a lifejacket, knowing she doesn't posess the skill to swim? Why then, would anyone circumvent an inspection process that is designed to be a quality control measure to preserve our lives and our property?

Hurricane Katrina was a devastating tragedy, with loss of lives, misplaced families, and slow emergency response times. Have we not learned a valuable lesson?

http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_cods_regs/article/0,2624,HPRO_26520_5053914,00.html

For too long the homeowner has had to risk dealing with contractors who are suspect, workmanship that is marginal, and a system that hasn't yet been able to weed out the shoddy providers. As the Operations Manager of a firm that specializes in providing electrical solutions for the homeowner, and a Master Electrician, I can't imagine pocketing the hard earned money of a trusting client who looks to me for expert advice, and depends on me to make their family safe. I couldn't look at the man in the mirror at the end of the day.

I'm not insensitive to those who are homeless and waiting to return to normal life (as normal as can be achieved). Abraham Lincoln said,

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today".

So...can we offer incentive packages to get more inspectors into the city? They have a skill, and provide a service we desperately need in New Orleans. Require the inspectors to sign an affidavit stating the work is done to standards. Just an idea. Nothing wrong with getting well compensated for providing a service in dire need. Third party accountability improves performance. Self-inspections are not the right solution here. Someone has to look out for the homeowner.

Where do you think this one comes from, "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required." As professional electricians, we have a responsibility to those we serve. As Master Electricians, and business owners we need to demonstrate an even a higher level of excellence and leadership.

As homeowners; don't try to do your own electrical work under the radar. If you're required to permit the project, do it...it may keep you from becoming a statistic on the evening news. This system is in place to protect you.