Gazing out at the mist-shrouded River Tree this afternoon, it occurs to the old codger — for probably the four-millionth time — that life can be complicated. If you read Bryant’s comments last week, you know we’ve dealt with some, let’s say, “rapids” on our journey down the river to a collaborative issues column. However, Bryant tells me he’s anxious to kick things off sometime in the next few weeks. That’s very welcome news. Many apologies for jumping the gun on what promises to be a wonderful educational opportunity, and kudos to Kevin and Rob — and of course Bryant — for their ongoing commitment to it.
That being said, we’d be remiss if we didn’t begin some type of exploration of important issues right now, starting with a subject I’m positive Bryant and I would share similar opinions on: integrity and ethics in our public lives. Bryant’s been outspoken about his positions and concerns ever since he entered the political “fray,” and I’ve enjoyed sitting down with him and hearing his candid comments. I’d encourage you to sit down with him to explore them yourself.
I think Bryant would agree with me that what we currently deem as “politics” is simply an attempt to govern our collective actions as a group or community, focusing on making us safer and more productive. Pretty simple, right?
Now, in our personal lives, do we sometimes exaggerate or tell white lies to make ourselves look better? Maybe. Probably. OK — yeah, guilty as charged. Let’s face it, some of us — probably too many — get just a little too much enjoyment from telling “stories” about or putting down our neighbors or perceived adversaries. Hey, gossip and human peccadilloes have always been with us and aren’t going anywhere soon. That’s just us.
That being said, it seems to me that we have individual and collective responsibilities to put those failings behind us when we take on the role of citizenship in this quarter-of-a-millennium-old republic — that is, to research actual facts, make decisions on the basis of those facts, and then work together for the benefit of us all, which is what that nasty word “politics” actually is — and should be. Heck, stepping back, setting our emotions and leanings aside, let’s look for commonalities and solutions. We pretty much owe it to ourselves, our families, friends, all our fellow citizens, and — yes — every one of our fellow human beings, don’t we?
Kind of the biggest responsibility of all, it would seem to us. Shoveling — excuse the expression — “poop” to make ourselves look better or someone else, or our opponent, look worse doesn’t get us any closer to a meaningful, productive solution. And don’t get me started on those talking heads who just want to yammer on for the sake of nothing more than getting people ticked off so they can pull in money for podcasts or, worse still, garner ratings and donations. They’re just wasting our time and rendering our lives, our communities, our nation, and our world not only less productive but downright dangerous.
Again, a heck of a lot to chew on — but, heck, a good beginning for our mutual discussion as citizens, wherever we happen to fall on the “political” divide.
As we go forward, the old codger is going to ask us to take a look at a subject we all should be able to sink our teeth into, particularly with Christmas coming: immigration. Remember the young, pregnant couple journeying to a strange community where they didn’t know anyone? ¡Feliz Navidad!
It’s a tough one. You bet. Until then, try to stay away from those talking heads, and definitely don’t attempt to warm yourselves by the vituperative diatribes of those who have abandoned their responsibilities as citizens for the role of anger- and hate-filled provocateurs. Let’s instead embrace the love, safety, equity, and collaborative citizenship of the beautiful River Tree.
Be well. God bless… Carpe Diem and Carpe Vitae!
