What We See and What We Can Do.
It’s funny how identical statistics affect different people in different ways. The stock market and most retirement accounts are at all time highs, unemployment is down, and inflation continues (albeit too slowly for most) to approach desired levels. Some see this as good news. But others, noting the same data, only see how much more two bags of groceries cost than just 12-18 months ago. And since that affects their household budget stretched to the limit right now, to them the economy looks bad. Most news media do a lousy job of explaining this while focusing on the election as if it were the Kentucky Derby, or the latest bloody international tragedy (good for the visuals), or some other shiny object that just captured their momentary attention. And the TV and radio shows that purport to address the economy mostly focus on hawking or demeaning this or that stock like fevered carnival barkers on steroids.
I am fortunate to divide my time between Buzzard’s Bay on Cape Cod and Florida’s Gulf Coast. In both areas the passing boat traffic is mind-boggling evidence of millions upon millions of dollars devoted to recreation and the pursuit of pleasure. But, in both areas, there are also pockets of serious economic distress with the accompanying problems of homelessness and drug addiction. Those who know me well know I care as much about the political games and world affairs as anybody, but I sure wish the media would focus on these issues (that affect and cost us all one way or another) and devote airtime to those who may have potential solutions that are both common-sensical and humane.
What is a thinking, caring, ordinary person to do?
Paths Forward
? Be A Better Observer.
Local newspapers show the evidence of poverty in your area that might be just out of your sight. You’ll see food pantries, AA & AL anon meetings, clothing drives, requests for backpacks with summer lunches for kids. The police logs note more obvious symptoms such as domestic incidents, drug overdoses, OUI’s. In any neighborhood you may discern signs of what’s known as genteel elder poverty as evidenced by scrubby bushes or lawn, a dangling gutter, a dead vehicle, torn or missing screens or broken storm door.
? Find Kindred Spirits.
It’s not up to you to save the whole world by yourself. There are others who see what you’ve come to see. Maybe they’re at your church or temple, or in your golf or pickleball foursome, or someone you met at the PTA, or newcomer’s club. Sharing observations, discussing one small idea or intervention, learning what thoughts and actions other folks have found are all helpful to get things started and moving. Many minds create better solutions, diverse opinions open many eyes, many hands make for lighter work.
? What Are The Local Resources?
Town Hall, your local library, the bulletin board at your place of worship or at the supermarket, senior center, local Rotary / Elks/ Shriners / Eagles/Moose Lodges , VFW and Legion Halls offer flyers and brochures about local resources for the needs of the locally under-served. You will get old waiting for practical solutions from the layabouts in Congress.
? Shine A Light.
Local newspapers offer space for letters to the editor. Highlighting a problem or seeking the participation of like-minded folks can bring amazing results. Young people are often an amazing source of ideas and energy. I learned from a veteran who had lost a leg in an accident that a local Boy Scout troop took it upon themselves to construct a wheelchair ramp for his front door - a common-sense project with a huge impact. When you get discouraged, get involved with these kinds of young folks and your hope for our country’s future will be refreshed.
? VOTE.
There are many who came before you and me, that purchased with their last breath and last drop of blood, our sacred right to vote as a free man or free woman. From every country on this globe the downtrodden have risked everything they have, up to and including their very lives, to have this privilege. We need not like each others’ candidate; heck, we may not really like either of them. But if your plan is to lazily sit on your hands then you should stay silent because you don’t get to complain about a damn thing. And maybe you should think about giving your seat at this great table of Democracy to someone who truly appreciates its value.
LifeMap(sm): Happy Independence Day to all of us!