Over the last weeks we did a lot of walking together. Taking a first step to break out from wherever we were stuck and taking the second step – one often harder than the first, to keep plugging ahead in the right direction. We climbed mountains and walked backwards to see where we were and how far we’ve come, remembering that Mt. Everest for some may be taking a walk around the block or calling someone to say we’re sorry, please forgive us.
And then we sat and tried to take stock of the pluses and minuses in our lives. We’re here; we’re reading this – means we’ve a computer and internet access. No one is shooting at us (I pray) and we most likely can sleep safely. There are others that are not that fortunate. If you are lacking food or shelter please reach out and get help. You are owed that much as a vet.
But for most of us, the basics are covered. At least so I was thinking. I was thinking about the other things we – that’s a communal we – have when we come together as a society. Unless you are a survivalist and living off the grid, you can turn the tap and have potable water, flip a switch and have a light go on, drive to a store and purchase food or medicinals. None of these have you made for yourself and all of these have been put in place by others. Farmers grow the food. The food is transported over roads put in place by the government for all. The infrastructure is critical for things to come in and things to go out and that includes garbage and waste. Chaos would result without regulation and standards. It’s a form of social – ism. Society coming together for the benefit of all.
We are fortunate in this land of plenty to have what we have. BUT we will not be able to have while others lack for these basics. Something to think about. Depriving a family of shelter, food, (both prerequisites) and an opportunity for a good education or restrictions to that access because they are a minority or immigrants is counterproductive. Almost every doctor that my wife and I now see – old age ain’t for sissies – is a member of a minority, immigrant, or first generation. We’d be dead without them! And I’d like more of them in case of emergency.
So I’m thinking how much better would America be if we had more of this social – ism where we helped others and shared. Really, there’s enough to go around. And with others climbing the economic ladder they’d be paying more taxes and my tax burden would go down. Better they have the opportunity for a good education and career than be trapped into poverty.
But some people yell socialism as if it were the worst devil in the world, not stopping to think that the police and fire departments are “Social costs” paid for with all our tax dollars. Don’t like this socialism? Are you going to go out there now and wave a “defund the police” sign? Probably not.
How about you sit down with me and think about opening your hearts to others – not saying anything about your purse – heck, I’m an unarmed civilian and certainly outgunned by most of you – but opening our hearts is scary even if the feelings that come in are not threatening.
Let’s think of how we can be more inclusive – it won’t become a microcosm of socialism. Let’s find ways we can reach others as part of a social engagement. Here’s a for instance, one that I could have perhaps been more conscious of. I took my wife for a belated Valentine’s Day dinner at a nice restaurant over looking Lake Michigan. We had several servers. I’m always a good guy (well most of the time) and of course treat all with respect and courtesy. But perhaps I could have paused and somehow related to them as “helpers” and not “servers?” As slight change of perspective. In writing this I first thought of servers and then helpers, a subtle hint as to how I/we may relate to people without even thinking about it.
But here we are. They election campaigns and rhetoric are heating up. It’s getting tougher and tougher to think of us, of society, of being social. And yet if we don’t, we’re liable to end up with nothing to be social about. I’m worried. We’ve got kids and grandkids and hopefully more than a few years left for us. I don’t want to live in a world at war. Yet no one is asking me for a peace plan. But for most of us the only peace we stand a chance of effecting is in our immediate neighborhoods and communities where we now interact with others. Let’s try to do the best we can when we interact. Think of the connectivity. Pick up litter, smile, reach out a helping hand. And work on inclusive thoughts and feelings. We’re all in it together.
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Ken was a Professor of Mathematics, a ceramicist, a welder, and an IBMer until downsized in 2000. He taught yoga until COVID-19 decided otherwise. He continues writing, living with his wife and beagle in Shorewood, Wisconsin. He enjoys chamber music and mysteries. He’s a homebrewer and runs whitewater rivers. Ken is a writer and his literary works can be found at https://www.kmkbooks.com/
He welcomes feedback on his articles and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com.
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