Milk and Cookies

Milk and Cookies

This article is a follow up to one I wrote last week. There are things we can do to change the acrimonious flavor that now permeates our political and social landscape. We are responsible for those who represent us.

Elvis Costello once sang (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding, a question we should be asking ourselves these days. In an era of snarky posts, political diatribes, and incessant media vitriol, we could use a little more of the stuff.

For all if its beauty, intelligent community members, and town services, East Greenwich is still a part of the world. We are impacted by financial twists and turns, social ills and natural trends towards progress. Sometimes this causes problems. Sometimes this pits people against each other. Sometimes just happens to be the moment we are in. At this time many are having trouble trusting each other. Much of this is self-inflicted.

One of the most salient ways that America demonstrates greatness is her ability to embrace multiple expressions of loving the country. While Democrats and Republicans battle it out, something needs to be pointed to - the overwhelming majority in each party love their country and community. This is important to remember. Sure, we all scratch our heads wondering what the hell the other side is up to, but please keep in mind they care as much as you do.

Despite highlighting our differences we have so much in common. When we lie on our backs deep into the night and begin thinking about life, things that are shied away from during daytime hours enter our brains. We think about love. We think about family. We wonder about God, death, finances and our health. All too often masks are worn in an attempt to protect our frailty. Money, cars, houses, physical condition, and all sorts of accomplishments cannot hide the fact that we are human. We share so much. Shouldn’t more time be spent helping each other rather than the present emphasis on blame, isolation and feelings of superiority? Do we have leaders who advocate for a unified approach? If so, are they listened to?

I wish that there were a little more time left in the school year, that way I could offer the town a program that recently entered my head. It has to do with thinking like a kid, something we could benefit from. There is much to be learned from children’s books. They have a way of engaging young minds without heaviness. Many times the stories they tell are pretty deep, but the genius behind making the difficult seem understandable leads to growth. Adults, too, can learn from reading children’s books. In fact, The Emperor’s New Clothes might help to reinforce how we sometimes get fooled into believing our own hubris-laden thought.

With this said, I will ask you to do a homework assignment. It will not be hard and might just be informative. I am asking that you get your hands on two books, buy a box of chocolate chip cookies and a gallon of milk. Then, one night before going to bed, read the Butter Battle Book, by Dr. Seuss, and The Jester Has Lost His Jingle with those you love. In short, it is a bedtime story with milk and cookies.

You will soon see the absurdity of war and the escalation of conflict in Seuss’s book. In fact, the major source of conflict emanates from an argument over which side to butter your bread. Sometimes at the core there is a foolishness in our response to differences.

After a cookie and drink then progress to The Jester Has Lost His Jingle. Perhaps after reading this wonderful book it will become apparent that we all too often forget to laugh. A good laugh and smile can keep things in perspective.

East Greenwich is a wonderful place. The pressures of the age weigh heavy on the backs of all of us. We need each other. We need to recognize that all of us are in this life, alone, together. We also need to remember that together great things can happen. Trite? Perhaps. But, I firmly believe that in each heart there is abundant goodness. Let us make sure that we can reveal that to each other. We cannot blame politicians, the media and other outside forces - such loving change resides within us. Fear can make people withdraw. Love, friendship and understanding can bring us all together.

The chasing of donkeys and elephants can often lead to a delusion that obfuscates a greater truth. Philosophers like Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and others have written about the role(s) government plays in our lives. While each espouse different means, all promote systems to protect civilization. Perhaps, we spend far too much time on political loyalties and show less concern for how we can help each other. Political and social myopia help lead to the silos we have created lately. This is evident on both a local and national level.

In no way is this an attempt to camouflage the arduous circumstances presented by daily life. What I am saying, however, is that we are far more resilient when working together. Earlier I cited Elvis Costello’s (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding. These words are part of the song.

So where are the strong?

And who can be trusted?

Where is the harmony?

Sweet harmony.

Now more that ever, we need ideas and solutions that speak to cooperation. The inexorable roll of discord, emanating from fear, has curtailed economic growth, promoted racism, led to fringe politics and wasted resources (one of which is time). While we have been pointing fingers, the nation’s prison population explodes, opioid abuse has become a scourge, discord in the Middle East continues, Healthcare is a mess, and the climate warms. Instead of seeking solutions, we act like Nero, playing the fiddle, while a calamity occurs. This euphemism belies the fact that more emphasis needs to be placed on important matters than shortsighted folly. Aren’t you tired of this? Wouldn’t a plate of cookies, two good books, a little love, and some reaching out with honest attempts at understanding, lead to a better outcome?

Watching and listening to friends argue is painful. People with good intentions, strong will, and a desire to contribute, battle it out in a fashion I have not witnessed in my 34 years working for the town of East Greenwich. Hey fellas, lighten up. I love you guys. You are a significant reason behind East Greenwich being a nice place. When we turn our frustration into bitterness hurled at each other this is counter productive. Don’t forget, you get to choose who leads your community. You can always run for office, get involved with a committee or speak up at public meetings. It’s time that we reflect upon the fact that without each other’s help our community falls apart. Smile and remember to enjoy the ride. It’s amazing when shared with friends.

~ Robert Houghtaling ~

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