There are ninety-nine days until Election Day. The never-ending campaign will soon be over.
Over these next ninety-nine days this country will be faced with a difficult choice. It’s important to remember that we need to be united at the end of this process.
Here’s a speech that no politician will ever make, yet it is perfectly appropriate to our situation at this time, as a nation:
Focusing on those six inches in front of your face, that struggle over the meaningful inches, is how things get done. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s the Big Picture. We lose sight of the Big Picture all the time.
I am struck by the fact that we are willing to argue over whether a presidential candidate should deliver a speech in a foreign country, and what that means for his chances in November, but we are unwilling to discuss the issues raised in that speech.
Obama talked about problems facing the world, and the need for the world to work together to solve them. The focus was on the European-American relationship, too. For that relationship to be in disrepair as it is these days is a tragedy and a shame on all sides.
Meanwhile, in a small town in Connecticut, we’ve lost sight of the Big Picture too. In our case, in New Fairfield, everyone wants to see that Senior Center get built (well, almost everyone). But our building committee has decided that it’s more important to defend their architect than to watch out for the best interests of the taxpayers of this town. So here it is, July 28, and the plans for the Senior Center were supposed to be sent to the state for approval on July 25, and that hasn’t happened.
If we can’t get this project done, how can we expect to rebuild one of our schools? Will we be able to come together in the future, when we’re really talking about sacrifice and cooperation?
Either we heal now, as a town, or we die as individuals.
4 Comments
Paul,
Try to believe that a “house divided” or town can be rehabilitated and even made more storm-proof than before.
Sometimes ego and single-mindedness gets in the way, but I’m convinced that this project will come together. Our Selectmen will achieve a resolution for the good of our town.
Who’s to blame? I neither know nor care too. We become just as blind as those we disagree with.
Maybe action in a positive way might be the answer. Perhaps a town meeting or petition might be in order here. If the taxpayers take a stand and force issue….who knows.
Thoughts or ideas anyone??
Peace
Juve,
I do try to stay positive about the future of our town. It’s hard sometimes. Partly why I am doing less reporting for CN lately.
In what direction would you like to see the town go as far as the Senior Center project?
Kunstler is way more negative on today’s culture than I am, but we share the same ultimate wish:
Paul,
Totally agree that it is hard to stay positive about any future, let alone our town. It’s so true, even on a basic child’s level to stay diplomatic and make good choices. Every issue can be so subjective and mean so many different possibilities to different individuals.
Thank you for asking about the direction I would chose. It’s a very good question.
The Senior Center is a must. We need to make this project a reality. Looking at the “Big Picture” future wise is important. You once mentioned the school, could lets say in the worst case scenario, become a future shelter.
If the taxpayers force action, meaning an intervention of sorts. Ask if voters in town would petition a town meeting (i. e. , with legislative body) to protect the voters purpose and rights, to continue on with this project and force a resolution. Not a consortium, but a cooperative coalition of taxpayers, asking for results.
I wont dither on about Kunstler’s vision, because I happen to agree with it even if the man does repulse me at times. He is a genesis with his words and a visionary. He’s the type of person that makes me think “why the bloody hell didn’t I think of that”
If anyone feels offended by my suggestion above on the town situation, awfully sorry. There just my own personnel thoughts on the matter. You can all flog me at dawn!
Peace.
THE COMING RE- BECOMING
A must read, and I had a loud hearty laugh at “You wonder: are tattoos now the only way left for this class of Americans to assert their selfhood? And what exactly are they proclaiming? I am a warrior. Or is it: I am a television (I display pictures, too) !?
Brilliant-!!
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