As I look out at the landscape of the work that is ahead, it is easy to fall into a funk; despite winter’s end, much seems bleak. Spring has not taken hold, literally or figuratively.
It remains increasingly unaffordable for many of our friends and neighbors to live in many of our communities. One recent study of our region showed that there is a $100,000 annual wage gap between those coming into our communities and those leaving. And that there is a $100,000 gap between the median income in the Hudson Valley and what is needed to purchase a median priced home.
Teachers, nurses, mechanics, laborers, cooks, wait staff — the “essential workers” we celebrated just a few years ago, are leaving our communities. They are being forced out by rising costs. Housing, food, transportation and medical costs (and really, mostly everything) have risen far faster than their wages.
And it’s not just become unaffordable, it is increasingly inhospitable. NIMBY is a real thing. And not just not in my backyard, some want no building of anything anywhere (that acronym is BANANA.) Thus, many of our communities are shrinking. Some think this is a good thing, but it is a demographic and economic disaster in the making.
Despite the cognitive dissonance, I get why people vote for change on the one hand, while resisting change on the other.
They are angry. Very, very angry. For them, the “American Dream” is not just unattainable, it is a bald-faced lie.
Too many of our neighbors see no real help coming. Because for them it has never come. For all the talk, and all the spending and all the actions, many see their lives as no better, and in fact, daily life has gotten much more difficult. Many have fallen down and are not being offered a hand up.
Folks are not blind: they see others benefit; benefits that seem increasingly out of their reach. Or available only to those who already have enough, or way more than enough, and who seek to take them away from others. Many say, rightfully, that the system is rigged, is actually working against them.
Yet, when I ask our neighbors, ‘What is the future you want to live in?’ they don’t say one that is more hostile, more intrusive, more expensive, and less charitable. They don’t say one that is less fair, less democratic, or less lawful. And yet, here we are.
People are physically and spiritually exhausted. They see no way out. They want change. Sometimes at any cost. And they fiercely protect what little they have. This is what has led us to embracing the worst in us, feeling it necessary to survival.
We can change. We have to change. I believe that we will change.
“The world is full of people whose notion of a satisfactory future is the return to the idealized past.” - Robertson Davies
However, we cannot reward or condone change in the way it is currently being carried out. By ostracizing and othering; by demeaning and debasing; by taking universal liberties and rights away from those not like “us.”
Do you really picture yourself and your loved ones in an American version of George Orwell’s 1984? If you do, seek professional help.
It is time to demand a return to humanity.
To the principles of humility, honesty, charity, and mutual benefit.
To reward the dignity that comes with valuing all of our people, and their endeavors, hopes and dreams.
“Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don't be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice.” - John Lewis
We must return to the security that was the promise of America, even if it wasn’t universally delivered: the ability to make your children’s life better than yours, and yours better if you worked hard enough and fortune smiled upon you.
We must advocate for the strength that E Pluribus Unum represents. We are a nation of immigrants and made stronger by embracing and welcoming our diversity.
We have all at times, in some way or fashion, needed a hand up. That hand should always be there for those who need it.
That is the promise of the America that is waiting to be reborn from the darkness of the moment.
We need to change the conversation. We need leaders who will stand up and speak out, not support the darkness or the status quo. That leadership starts within; with each of us.
That time is at hand. It is time to rise. And lift others as we do.
Change is gonna come.
Thank you, and more thank you, Al!
Beautiful and inspiring!👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you for being part of the change for the better, Al, and as always, for your inspiring and motivating posts.