This is a very important date in the history of our country, and I've been thinking, sitting here on the deck. How is this place handling life right now?
I do love this place and worry about it a lot. Worrying is not in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights...and I worry about that too, but I do feel free to worry and fret as much as I want. As I look out behind our house from the deck to the southwest of Forest Grove, Oregon, I am constantly amazed at the variety of colors, crops, clouds and foliage I can see as the year passes from one season to the next and as the day's sunlight passes from east to west...I just accept the changes I see, the rich variety that makes up my view from the deck. I revel in them, I celebrate them. I worry that we as a nation and as a people just haven't been able to do the same with the rich variety and varied palette of people that make up our demographic landscape.
Events such as the tragic one that occurred in New York on 9/11/2001 or more recently in New Orleans shake us and try our faith in humanity in general. We seem to thrash around for meaning and turn to our churches and synagogues and yes mosques, for direction. We also look to our political leaders for moral and emotional support. So I wonder and I worry about how we will ever get to a loving and tolerant place as a nation of such rich diversity when so many of our religious and political leaders offer us mystical and fanatical drivel on the one hand and self righteous hate filled racial intolerance and saber rattling on the other.
I enjoy the beauties of nature, but sometimes things don't go well for us here, weather wise. But I know this: When strong storms blow down my fence or the snow keeps me house bound for days I don't believe that some god has it in for me due to an error in judgment I made in 1972 or because I marched in the Portland Pride Parade in 2008. No, Katrina wasn't some angry god's revenge on the people of New Orleans for enjoying life too much. What do you hear from religious leaders these days?
When economic times are rough I refuse to believe it's because of Mexican laborers who mow lawns for CEO's or pick our strawberries are to blame. No the ladies who clean the hotel rooms and work for Merry Maids didn't take work from me or my neighbors. I want leaders to stand up for what is right, decent and loving. Tolerant, rational and thoughtful.
Well, we ain't getting it folks and a lot of Americans are willingly eating up what they are getting from many religious, and political leaders and media pundits who make a living on spreading fear through the countryside. I will keep thinking about ways I can help move people I know away from the social dangers that are facing us. I admit, I need help. But I am willing.
And it is a nice, clear day here in Oregon
And it is a nice, clear day here in Oregon
"I just accept the changes I see, the rich variety that makes up my view from the deck. I revel in them, I celebrate them. I worry that we as a nation and as a people just haven't been able to do the same with the rich variety and varied palette of people that make up our demographic landscape. "
ReplyDeletethat is a beautiful thought. I wish so bad that people could accept all of the hues, religions, and different ethnic backgrounds. After all, that is what makes the world an interesting place. I would be bored stiff if everyone was like me.
Tim,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see that you've started your own blog. You've captured, and articulated so many of my own thoughts and concerns. The day has been laden with a sense of helplessness and loss in the face of the negativity that has emerged from the ashes of 9/11. I'm bitter, and angry about the politicization of the event, and the exploitation of fear that has divided our nation.
On the solemn occasion of the anniversary of a horrific event, I will cling to the small sense of hope that remains alive in me, nurture my gratitude for life's many blessings, honor and remember the victims and their families, and celebrate diversity in our country by dining at a new restaurant in town---Ali Baba. I hope the owners are Muslims!
Joyce McIntire
Started a blog, eh? Good stuff, good stuff.
ReplyDelete