Little Patches of Green

                                                                                                                                        

     For sale signs are increasing across small town America.   As nearby cities grow larger, developers begin looking for plots of land to build housing and commercial enterprises.  Suburban areas continue to spawn, with rural areas being eyed up for the future.  People who move to areas with less conveniences end up being divided into two categories. Those who want more, and those who wish things would stay the same.  Who is right?  No one, but it is a reality that land is a finite entity, and once it is built upon, nothing is ever the same.

    I live in a small New England town. Over the years we have seen our share of growth.  Housing continues to go up, even though our school age population is decreasing.  A small nearby airport is increasing in capacity eliminating an entire neighborhood due to an expanded zone.  A movie theatre proposal is in review, and more office space is being approved.  There is talk of building a YMCA at a time when many Y’s across the country are struggling financially, leaving some with no choice but to close.

   Some residents in the area favor growth and view it as a good thing. They profess it will help the tax base, and provided more opportunity for residents especially the elderly and the youth.  I am sure people who crave these amenities will take advantage of their offerings. There is belief that critical social issues can be addressed by cement and mortar.  My concern is that slowly but surely, we are witnessing the gentrification of America.  Cities become larger, suburbs continue to grow, and one is left to wonder what will happen when the space runs out.  How much time do rural areas have left?  Where does it all end?

    As you drive along, take time to notice the little patches of land available for development.  Gas stations, retail, office space, and housing are eating up the available landscape.  One project here and there does not create an impact for many observers, but over time the small city or town is overrun by too many approvals.  I’m not against growth, but all not all growth is beneficial.  I have yet to live in a town where taxes went down because of development.  In fact, some of these people “helping” the community often receive tax breaks, while residents are left picking up the tab.

   I moved to a smaller community by choice.  I don’t understand why those who do so suddenly decide they want more at their doorstep.  Didn’t they consider what the area had available in terms of convenience when they looked for real estate?  Some state they will move out if more isn’t available.  Somehow that is considered a threat to the entire population of the town.  They however, do not speak for myself and many others.  The benefits of space and a slower pace are quietly slipping away.  I want to see little patches of green, and I want to see it where I live. 

Adults Teach Bullying

There are members of the Republican Party pressuring Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey to run for President.   I am an unaffiliated voter.  I usually decide who to vote for based on who I believe will be the best leader for our country.  I give all candidates a fair chance after I have listened to their platform of thoughts and ideas.  So far I know nothing about Chris Christie except that he has a weight problem.  That is putting it nicely compared to some of the words used by comedians and political pundits.  As I listen and read these comments, I can’t help but think that these adults are engaging in a blatant form of bullying. 

There is much in the news lately of young people being bullied in school, the playground, and the internet.  We are appalled that such behavior takes place and call on legislators to produce acts that involve consequences for those who engage in and create  these painful situations.  I am surprised that in this climate,  adults have resorted to same tactics as children who need to be taught better.  If this was the workforce, charges of discrimination or harassment would be filed.  Audiences laugh when words like “fat” are used.   Is this what we are teaching our kids?

Politicians are now using the “weight” card to discredit a potential candidate.  This is a new low in the seemingly endless ways that parties try to sway voters.  It is disgraceful and does nothing but continue to turn off voters such as myself.  I wonder how many people of intelligence, common sense, and ingenuity; decide not to enter the arena in order to avoid such scrutiny for themselves and their families.

We cannot expect children to grow up to be tolerant, accepting, and empathetic if we do not model these traits ourselves.  We need to stop hurtful words and acts from a very early age and act as a moral compass when it comes to teaching kindness towards others.  I hope the focus on Chris Christie’s weight gives way to his record and ideas on how to run the country.  That is all that I want and need to hear.

An Unaffiliated Voter

>     When I was 18, I registered to vote. I thought it was a great privilege to participate in the process of choosing an elected official. When I got to the box asking if I wanted to join a party, I hesitated. Was I a Republican or Democrat? I did not think I knew enough to choose either, so I checked off Unaffiliated. It is a choice that I have stuck with my entire life and now that I am older, I am glad I did.
     I do not understand how anyone can subscribe to the every belief of a political party. I know some call themselves moderates, but it seems that when the pressure is on, they will stand by their group. People tell me that I waste my vote because I cannot participate in a primary. That may be true, but the primary vote is for the parties to put forth their best candidate.
     In Connecticut, the majority of the voters are unaffiliated. That means the largest group of voters does not have a loyalty to anyone. So what happens? My mailbox is stuffed with pamphlets. My phone rings nonstop with calls asking for my vote. Let me clue them in, it doesn’t work. I read the paper and watch debates to get my information. Ultimately, that is what helps make up my mind on who gets my vote.
     The people elected are for the most part well educated and articulate. They have the ability to work with people and present information. Why then do they have so much trouble in Washington working to solve our issues? Why can they not dialogue and come to agreements as to what is best? Do they have to hold out for their own decision on how plans should unfold? I love watching them walk down the halls of Congress or the Senate. They look like a gang. They have a leader out in front with a posse behind them ready to take on the opposition. It all seems like a great waste of time.
     The American people have spoken this year. They sent a message that they want solutions. That is what we elect them to do. We do not want them to sit around being indecisive. We cannot afford for them to waste time discussing non-issues. We need them to commit on working together. Who knows? Maybe that is what will keep them in office. Until that happens, I think you might see more decisions made by the unaffiliated voter.