Op-ed by Matt Rezab –
“When I was a child, I thought like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13:11. For all the proselytizing going on in campaigns and in Washington itself these days politicians seems to have forgotten this simple proverb in favor of self-preservation.
Whether it’s John Boehner, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi or Ted Cruz the talking points may differ but the purpose is the same. Dupe the American people into a zero-sum game mentality. Our representative government left town a while back and seems to be waiting for its retirement benefits just like the American people.
True leaders put the lives, liberty and pursuit of happiness of the citizens before party and career. It’s too bad the short term applause from partisans and bloggers have trumped duty as the number one priority for many of our politicians. True patriotism sometimes involves self-sacrifice, just ask some of those soldiers they’re always showcasing as invaluable heroes until they come home and wear out their political usefulness.
One thing is for certain, consciousness has found a seemingly impregnable fortress in our nation’s capital these days. Conscience, patriotism, fairness and common decency have been pushed to the wayside. Apparently the attitude is now one for one and one for none but our own, the sad part isn’t that it’s happening, it’s that it’s applauded.
Politicians and citizens both love to spout patriotism as a partisan value, the implication being, “if you don’t agree with my view, you’re unpatriotic, un-American and unworthy of respect.” It seems any form of descent is greeted with hostility and lack of inclusion. You’re with me or against me, love me or hate me, Red Sox or Yankees.
There are some great sound bite solutions to our problems. “Throw them all out!”, “Term limits for Congress!” or “Vote for independents!”. These have all been touted as cures for the nation’s ills. The problems lie not on the surface, but at the root. That root lies in trust. Trust that the other guy isn’t out to get you. Trust in that the other guy wants the best for people just like you. Trust in that we as both Americans and human beings are not only capable of, but inspired to greatness, fairness and common decency toward our fellow man.
The solutions to our problems are not easy and they’re not easily achieved. Until we learn the value of sacrifice, grace, forgiveness, empathy and trust we will continue to wander the wilderness searching for answers.
Very well said and well written
Nationally it is disgraceful what is happening. Locally it could be better. Really want to see what people think about
Condition of our streets
Their ideas on how to find ways to attract businesses and industry
No more tif for retailers coming to Indian Head
Typically commercial property is difficult to appraise and us often under accessed
Maintenance of rental units. How can this be addressed?
Vacant housing and buildings in disrepair. What can be done?
Recreating another grant village in one of our decaying parts of town. That was a big plus years ago
Collaboration with county, regional and state agencies to improve efficiency and eliminate duplication
Long term flood protection plans..what are they?
Plans for all the flood buy property? What will be done with those properties?
An articulated vision or master plan for the community with input from the general public and not just a select few plus outpost meetings all over town
Excellent article Matt. very well thought out and very true. It is extremely difficult to negotiate if there is no trust and everyone in both party’s lies when ever it suites them. I think you have hit the nail right on the head.
ALWAYS keep a bit of child in you! Keeps you strong and full of personality with a fresh face!
MAX MATT Yankees
Depending on WHO you are talking about and right now we need to fix those things locally.
Some things NEED to be told about who is governing us in this town. It is a true reflection of the conscience, fairness, and decency of a person as you state. Those 3 words are not available in our mayor or council at this time.
Many many citizens are on to our current people as quite the contrary. Do we really need a drunk seeking his own mission or a self centered insurance scammer telling us what will happen? I don’t think so.
They are the ones who are who they are and call it what you want their personalities and secret missions do need to be told. Sounds like dirty play and no respect to you? Well then they shouldn’t have or do the things they do.
How else can we describe the dispicable shannigans of our mayor and council? Just how do you turn the list of WRONG’s into respectable words?
I’m hoping your “read between the lines” op-ed does in fact mean the current mayor and council.
Max and Matt ARE SERVICE before SELF !
Oh and of course…YANKEES !
Very good op-ed Matt.I agree that what you have said appears to be happening.
well said.