“Redemption,” in a secular sense, means different things to different people. I see it as a good conclusion after a troubled situation.
In literature, movies, and theatre, there are tales in which redemption plays a key part in the storyline. One of Shakespeare’s more obscure plays, “Pericles,” and his “The Winter’s Tale,” both have climactic reunification/redemption scenes. Even King Lear learns (too late) which daughter was true and honest at the very end of the play.
In Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,” the ending is one of the greatest moments of redemption in all of literature. After all the pain and horror the Joad family has gone through, there’s an amazing final scene of humanity and sharing. Huckleberry Finn finds understanding in the course of his long odyssey. Even Harold Hill in “The Music Man” redeems himself by fulfilling his shyster’s false promises and avoids being run out of River City on a rail.
Public government officials make decisions about a wide variety of topics. Hopefully, those servants of the citizens become educated on those issues, listen to the various insights, opinions, and legalities, and check their inner compass before hitting that “vote” button. In public government, consideration of redemption isn’t part of the formula. We try to envision what the results of our decisions will be in the future, while also looking at the short-term effects, but we can’t think in terms of personal redemption.
And then we move on and support the board’s democratic decision. The results are the full board’s responsibility.
There are many factors that might influence a partisan politician’s decision — their social agenda, emotions, party affiliations, family ties, trading of political poker chips, and other forces — and they may genuinely believe that their decision is the best direction for the county, state, country, and world.
In our municipal, nonpartisan world, we can’t live in just one of the two opposing camps on a divisive issue. We must consider all the pros and cons, and you often hear the trustees state that support or dissent. “I really see the X, but for these other Y reasons, I’ll have to vote this way.” Yes, the citizens are at the top of the org chart, but often half of the citizens are saying to vote X and half are saying Y. Which do you listen to? “All” is the correct answer — and then the elected official has to make their call.
We must think of the short and long-term ramifications for Estes, for the health of the community and residents. Perhaps those decisions will be redeemed in the future if things turn out well. Perhaps those decisions will be pilloried in the future if they take us down the wrong road.
I’m often told of the dire consequences of deciding “yea” or “nay” on an issue. And I listen. There are many factors that shape my thinking. I always want to be able to explain my vote to myself and others.
I enjoy seeing a business find commercial and creative redemption by succeeding after it started with just a vision. Someone who likes animals started The Estes Paw Company; the Boba Tea at the River Walk Café draws me in; Pines & Cones Ice Cream sounds like pure fun; The Hive at Estes Park Brewery has created a buzz; the new Blue Spoon (from the owners of the Deli) is a “yum” (I have to try their “honey cake”); and so on. Not all entrepreneurial adventures succeed, but the human spirit keeps on keepin’ on.
Many individuals wander a while in their personal wilderness before finding a redemptive path, a road to productivity, practicality, and care of their family and self. Some wander for a long time; some go through mighty thickets along the way. An addict leaves the deadly habit behind. A person finishes their degree long after the original planned date. Prodigal children later realize how smart their parents really were.
So, what’s the punchline here? Humans came into this valley long ago, and the settlers arrived in the middle of the 19th century. Every one of us occupies some square footage of this beautiful spot. Most of us love it here, and we want to keep it nice and not let it be overrun. But we can’t slam the door on this bit of paradise — if we really want to do that, we should all leave. We need to be wise and resourceful in protecting this resource in perpetuity. Each generation must redeem itself and allow the water to sparkle and flow, keep the air pristine, keep the green embedded, stay safe, and be humane to our neighbors and visitors.