When will the day come when someone can write this headline and it means what it says?
We’re not there yet; that’s not the here and now, that’s a distant there and then.
I was eight years old when JFK was assassinated. That was my introduction to real-time political violence.
In the more than 60 years since, I’ve studied American and global history and have witnessed savagery across our country and the globe. School shootings, political assassinations, beheadings, riots, bombings, and war after war after war.
Our society is going through a very unhealthy streak of cultural meanness, insulting behavior, and hatred that creates an undercurrent — or overcurrent — of negativity that handicaps our ability to be civil and collaborative.
And yet there is so much that is good and intelligent in the United States and the world, even as we suffer this raging river of cruelty and bloodshed.
Humanity, unite, for the sake of our future.
No political party has a monopoly on, or is immune from, violence. No party is immune from having acolytes who become extreme in their desire or attempt to harm others.
How does the action of violence arise? Sometimes it’s personal behavioral or medical issues. Sometimes it’s born of deep cultural currents with roots far in the past. Sometimes it’s purely political.
It will take the whole global village to move together to end words of violence. It takes consciousness and awareness of the humanity of others: The haunting reptile eyes that show no sorrow for the foe represent an absence of humanity.
Political debate, political discourse, disagreement? All fine. But keep it humane. We must respect our language for its power. Even subtle aggression in words or hints, or even “jokes” about violence, adds to the problem.
Still, we will have those individuals who, through contrary programming, chemical imbalances, or reinforcement by those who favor aggression, will not only espouse violence but will choose to wreak it.
What’s the path to the end of violence?
Many of us aren’t in a position to have an impact on those who are ill or those who truly believe that destruction is the answer. But we can continue to focus on the local, focus on the people around us, connect, and spread the light. That’s the grassroots answer.
There is so much positive in the Estes Valley — those connections are being made.
May is Mental Health Awareness month. There are many activities at the community center and elsewhere, and many resources for those in need.
Creativity Cabin and the Inspire Artisan Market offer optimism through art. Dr. Patti Aldridge and Natalie Patrick are partnering to provide a unique shop that offers the opportunity to do artistic and craft work, with all supplies provided. Great for all ages! I will head in and do a project soon!
With Whimsadoodle and the now-certified Estes Arts District moving forward, the chocolate factory in full swing, and a film center coming in a couple of years, our town is being transformed into an ever-greater arts community and destination. We’re adding to the fun factor. We’re a prolific, terrific town for music. All those pursuits and expressions are good for the soul and spirit of our town.
I watched the student environmental film fest entries. Again, they’ve excelled in their work. I’m looking forward to the Environmental Film Festival at the Historic Park Theatre May 15 and 16. There will be a preview of Nick Molle’s last film, “Stream of Conscience.” Thank goodness for Claire and Lauren Molle, Sean Doherty, John Berry, and others for keeping the legacy alive.
The Dementia Day Center opened May 4, fulfilling the dedicated vision of its founders and the generosity of donors. This is a great boon for suffering individuals, their families, and their caregivers.
The Rain in the Rockies gathering in Bond Park May 9 was a very peaceful and resonant event. There were uplifting messages about our connection to our natural resources, ecstatic dance, singing, and a Zen sound bath.
There’s potential for a bigger, better post office, with the feds seemingly convinced that we need it in a better, less-congested location.
The town is offering its annual refund of sales tax paid on food items to qualified residents. Apply by May 29. Go to estespark.colorado.gov/foodtaxrefund or call the finance department at 970-586-5331, extension zero. Or pick up an application in the vestibule outside the police department window at the main town hall entrance.
We’re working on how to improve, in a disciplined fashion, communication between developers and the community, which has been a frequent challenge in recent years.
And there’s so much more. The equation is really biased toward the good, but the bad and brutal make a lot more noise.
So, connect, collaborate, communicate, empathize, sympathize. The solution is connection. There is so much good happening. Choose to hitch your wagon to optimism and light. And the formula is still true: In the end, the love you make is equal to the love you take.