Breaking the Ice of Dissatisfaction
Summer parties used to mean relaxed fun. These days, not so much. It's hard to act frolicky when occasional uncertainty gives way to chronic news fatigue. Muddled looks are revealed on even the most attractive of faces. And that's before ice hits the first cocktail glass.
Newport, and Rhode Island, have so much prospect. Why is our leadership so banal?
It's easy to say these are complex times, filled with unfamiliarity. But that's life. It's tempting to observe a statewide tendency to excessive public generosity. But that's liberalism. And, as I've already stated, clinging to “let's party and forget it” may soon require more potent fuel than spirits.
There's probably a less self-destructive way to reset our personal role and belief in good governance. It could begin right here, in town.
What if we were to agree, in principle, to making a universal commitment? Say--commitment to values oriented decision-making, rather than coquettishly overlooking political shiftiness and excessive personal gain through public matters. After all values are about prudent resource management. The question (always) is, where and how to begin.
What if every one of us agreed, individually, to provide specific service(s) to the community? These would have to add specific and lasting economic value. (Core practice for Newport's current stable of young entrepreneurs!) Each individual would choose their service, and then apply it, solo or alongside an institution, with the objective of working toward personal excellence.
Next, what if we acted as fiduciaries to our community? We would have to consider our actions for their potential costs to others and ourselves. Then we would have to act accordingly. It's possible to imagine each of us becoming more considerate with our words, our garbage, and our money. The policeman would want to enforce all existing ordinances (he doesn't, today); but, we would be okay because we would observe these laws, apologetically paying the fine when we err, rather than gripe, then taunt, a City Councilor.
And what if the City Council, for its part, practiced the skill of scenario planning? This is, very simply, looking at the implications of events that might happen, so that one is prepared for similar events when they do. For example, what if Newport's year-round working population was in decline? (It is.) There are lots of questions to be addressed around that, and interesting ones too, filled with vibrant promise.
I just thought I'd let you know what I'm thinking about, should you happen to run into me at a party this summer. If, when we make eye contact, you've already drained your cocktail--I understand.
pferd
9:59 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
it seems everyone in rhode island drained their glass, because it seems that the status quo will go on for ever.
something as obvious as route 195. Massachusetts is laughing like crazy. all the purchases along that highwya from westboro to providence are made in massachusetts. why? has nobody every thought, why? well, easy answer. the businesses, gas stations etc. are all located at exits that are in ma. why, do you say?
because as funny as it may sound, ma is more business friendly.
and rhode islanders are just standing by while ma is raking in the tax dollars, that ri could so desperately use, not to speak of the jobs in rhode island.
what morons you people have in rhode island gov. it is either they are morons or they are paid of by ma. which is it? nobody can be so blind a to not see the obvious on route 195 and route 6 between fall river and providence. the millions of dollars that go to ma. yet the morons in rhode island are scratching their head and try to figure out how they can get more out of their own in taxes.
good write up bailey but rhode islanders need a kick to throw out the riff raft they have in all forms of government, from local to state.
Robert Bailey
10:39 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
I couldn't have said it more directly. rb
pferd
10:04 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
i can't help but to add, because i am sure some green moron will tell you that rhode island wants to preserve the earth.
the businesses are right next to you. and if you are worried about emissions, the same cars are going through your town.
and china is building 2000 coal fired electric plants this year, while we are bearing the burden of supposedly saving the earth.
when the chinese play the way we play then i might believe in saving the earth.
the earth may be heating up but it is not because of humans. the earth has cooled and heated up for millions of years. just now al gore has figured out a way just like obama has to rob you of you pocket money and give it to someone else.
Robert Bailey
10:56 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
Carefully considered decisions--especially for investment--are always preferred. It may or may not be possible to make correct decisions that are also popular. Tax and spending cuts, civil rights enforcement, Thatcher in the Falklands, etc. Very hard decisions made by courageous people with a long view.
Thanks for your comment.
pferd
11:10 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
I am in rhode island on a frequent basis and speak to many locals and they feel totally
helpless.
It is such a beautiful state and could be developed in a rational way that would make the state one of the richest and most desirable states to live in while preserving the natural beauty
What a shame that the state has been hijacked.by self serving morons and crooks.
Robert Bailey
11:20 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
I have mentioned to more than one City Councilor here--you folks need to grow backbones and learn to accept risks. The alternative is mediocrity and their acting as figureheads during their terms in office.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. My suggestion to you is to keep demanding commitment to decisions. Right or wrong, there is learning in making a commitment.
pferd
11:28 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
It is people like you and I that need to band together to educate people and get them not only interested but
Make them aware how they are being robbed if a beautiful and successful life.
Sitting around and waiting for the govt to do it is just throwing our life away. We need caring and honest citizens to band together and demand action by making the current politicians look silly and ridicule them because up to now they are laughing at us
nptresident
12:09 pm on Saturday, July 28, 2012
So then RUN for something!!!!! Put up or SHUT UP. Don't just sit there doing some armchair quarterbacking while your fellow American is doing his best to affect change in a community. You might not agree with his stance, but at least respect his efforts to try. Ridicule? Silly? I'll tell you who looks silly. Some guy sitting around on a blog spewing highfalutin crap while his fellow citizens do the dirty work - and receive BANAL criticism. Give me a break. All of this is just elitist nonsense. By the way, how am I to be "considerate with my garbage?" Talk about BANAL. Fiduciaries to our community.....lol. Where's my scotch.
Robert Bailey
11:38 am on Friday, July 27, 2012
Thanks for your great comment.
What you point out is an indictment of many of our public systems. Those who question and challenge and lead with ideas and commitment to results sometimes have a long hard road, it's true. But rarely have a I seen such people without a smile and a correction of their direction.
Waiting for anyone to decide for you is not living. Allowing people to take from you is not freedom, but a special kind of laziness.
tiff
12:49 pm on Saturday, July 28, 2012
So far all I have read is incoherent gobbledygook. What the heck are you two talking about? Oh, I am sure that I will be told that I am UNAWARE of the current lack of innovation and creativity....blah blah blah. All of this is just blah blah blah. Party on, dude.
Robert Bailey
4:12 pm on Saturday, July 28, 2012
Thanks tiff. Very useful.
tiff
6:31 pm on Saturday, July 28, 2012
Hey, no problem!! Seriously, if you are on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan subcommittee, you must have something to contribute the the community. So say it! Don't give us this "too cute" narrative about cocktail parties and attractive faces gone awry. If you have something to share, give it us the reader in succinct fashion and not this pseudo salesman scam artist pitch that makes the reader feel like checking his billfold. I am a plain spoken guy who doesn't have time for this cocktail party/beautiful people bs. Been there, done that. Sorry for the blunt nature of my criticism. I am looking forward better things from you next time....
pferd
4:25 pm on Saturday, July 28, 2012
Could not agree more.
Tiff - That is the type of dialogue we were looking for - thank you
Robert Bailey
12:01 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2012
I have had those direct OpEds (here), too.
Sorry you guys missed the connection.
By the way--please share your real names with me sometime. I have given you mine. No sense not being direct both ways, agreed?
pferd
7:29 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2012
RB
I would not mind sharing with you, but there are too many nuts out there and that is why I don't like giving out my email etc