Pyrrhic Victory

Pyrrhic Victory

I write this in consideration of the climate that pervades today’s political and social landscape. One senses that this has created some difficult situations nationally, as well as, on the local level. East Greenwich is presently struggling to come to grips with how to address ills many around America are confronted with. The town is now experiencing angst as to how to best address these very concerns.

In recent years an angry pall has spread across our nation pitting good people against each other. Insults have been hurled. Relationships have been severed and, perhaps, worst of all, many have retreated to their silos in an attempt to cope. These are not healthy solutions for the problems at hand. Unfortunately, however, that is the situation America is in.

East Greenwich is a microcosm of the country. Eventually, the bitterness and confusion of the world hits home. I have worked in town for 34 years and have witnessed a few rocky periods. With few exceptions the present sticks out as one for concern.

Political opinions abound. In fact, they are usually a healthy part of what makes a Democracy. What is happening now has very little to do with real politics and more to do with anger, fear and imposing one’s will. Civility has gone on vacation. Blame has come in its place. Victories won are hollow. Defeats taste a bitter herb.

People smarter than I might be able to solve such situations. All I know is that compassion, understanding, respect, dignity, patience and thoughtful actions must be companions for the decisions made. When the wolves are at the door sometimes we forget the simplest things. But, deep in our hearts, we realize that eventually the above mentioned dynamics need embracing.

All too frequently we sit back and allow ourselves to bully and be bullied. Jedi mind tricks will often ensue so that the bullying will be justified. People get hurt when this occurs. People are more important than the systems we create. In fact, systems are tools which should be used to better ourselves.

Retreating to camps where friends and like-minded allies reinforce our beliefs are fragile strategies for success. This particular thought process has been extremely popular these days. Righteous indignation is a poor substitute for seeking viable answers.

The Town of East Greenwich has been wonderful to me. It has been an incredible honor to work here. During my years of employment I have met wonderful friends, worked with committed people and developed a sense of camaraderie with many. I am hoping that our differences, of today, do not create a rift that becomes a chasm. This need not have to happen.

So, Democrat, Republican, Independent and other affiliations, what is the price you are willing to pay for being right? Are pyrrhic victories worth it? Are there better ways to solve our differences? Being right does not always equal doing the right thing.

I know many members of the East Greenwich Town Council and School Committee – they are fine individuals who have diverse views (in some cases). It is painful to watch and listen to good people involved in polarization (that sometimes becomes marginalization). Let’s hope that somehow olive branches can be extended that will help ameliorate the divisions that are in play these days. Let us also hope that solutions to the town’s challenges are done by working together.

The differences we have should not dishonor that which is shared. In fact, we should honor those differences as things that bring us together. What separates that which we have in this country from others, around the world, is the ability to cherish difference. A number of our present leaders are blind to this when seeking to create fear over diverse thought. Exploiting fears may get a few votes, but is it leadership? Look around the country. Who are those who build good will and who are those that destroy it? Fear can only feed the populace for a short while. The ignorance of privilege can exacerbate these conditions by deluding some into believing they deserve more, others less, all because that is the way it should be. That is a fallacy.

Blaming leads to shaming which shuts down creativity and growth. During a time of crisis we need more ideas not less. Enthusiasm and harmony are truncated when fingers are pointed. I see this happening both here and nationally. We have to do better than this.

So, have a good summer. Take time to smell the flowers, enjoy a walk, look to the beautiful sky and remember how lucky you are that East Greenwich is your home. In truth, 99% of the world would consider such a life a blessing. Please, let us work together to stop the anger that is overcoming this town. Long after we forget, history will remember how individuals conducted themselves in the most trying times. Now more than ever we need leaders who promote unity over division.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Houghtaling

P.S. Thank you for 30 years of service, Tom Coyle. I (and numerous others) wish you well.

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