The Guts Not to Fight Back

A Conversation with Myself About My Style of Citizen Participation

Jackie Robinson: You want a player who doesn't have the guts to fight back? 

Branch Rickey: No. I want a player who's got the guts *not* to fight back. (movie ’42’)

I had a wake up call circa. 1974.  I was on the bandwagon to get ride of the current U.S. President, Richard Nixon.  I tend not to use the word ‘hate’ regarding anyone, but with Mr. Nixon, I came close.

Then I had a conversation with a friend, who, after hearing my rant to rid ourselves of this clown, calmly said, “He is your President.”  What did he mean, ‘my’ president?  I had voted for Hubert Humphrey and George McGovern, the latter with enthusiasm.

I learned a great lesson that day.  Life does not come on my terms.  I cannot escape responsibility by simply distancing myself for those things and people with whom I disagree.

In this case, I am part of a nation that democratically chooses its leaders. (this point can be debated if one adds the tremendous influence of money and corporate power into the equation)  But, event with that disclaimer, I’m not free from my own compliance in our history.

My friend suggested to me that our citizen obligation is to find ways to enable Richard Nixon, in this example, to be the very best  president he is capable of being.  That's a tough pill to swallow. And here’s the rub. When I approach that seriously, I don’t necessarily drop my offering of alternatives to what I think his policies are, but I do seek openings and opportunties that aren’t solely based on my opposition to him or to his ideas.  What is the role of the 'negative?'  Is it more real?  Is it more satisfying to 'get it off my chest?'  Does it invite a useful approach?  Does it serve me in seeking meaningful participation?

On the other hand, is avoiding the 'negative' a cop out?  Is pointing out problematic consequences useful? At what point is the point of no useful returns?

How can I have "the guts not to fight  back", yet make a positive contribution to our community?

I am thinking of this as we experience the fifth year of the presidency of Barack Obama. At the moment there are three ‘scandals’ that, at least in the Washington beltway, are taking up the time, energy and resources of the nation.

I will not predict how these three will play out, but I do think that by using them to attack the president will, by design or not, keep the nation from moving forward in the areas most important to the public.  It is many months since anyone, including the administration has said, ‘jobs, jobs, jobs.’ 

And, yet, quite apart from the 3 scandals and the divisive social issues, having self-worth and putting bread on the table remain a primary personal and family value.

Where are the practical proposals developing in every local community across the country that give people the opportunity to be part of the ‘shovel ready’ job creation.

Who does not want to drive on better roads?  Who does not want to enjoy the public parks and lakefront?  Who does not want beautiful and safe bridges? Who enjoys masses of trash dumping on our streets?  And drainage systems?  Who does not want the fruit and vegetables picked and delivered as fresh as possible to our farmer’s markets and grocery stores? Who does not want smaller classrooms and well-trained teachers for our kids?

Where is the bully pulpit of the president or the voices of governors and mayors and county executives paying more than lip service to ‘jobs, jobs, jobs.’

What do we want?

Personal dignity? A decent job with decent pay in a decent environment.  Is that too much to ask?

Family values? A mother or father who can be with their family without the anxiety of any economic security.  Isn’t that better than what we pay for in human suffering and abuse when that doesn’t exist?

Citizenship?  A citizen who through work contributes to the whole.  Giving back with neighbors who work together for safety and schools and ongoing dialogue about the future of the community.  Isn’t that the essence of the ‘American way?’

A Safety Net?  Disability from military service or public service as police or fire fighters or other first responders? A sense that my life will not be over if I get sick. An understanding that we will help each other to deal with issues of addiction, disease, and everyday health. Every civilized community creates some ‘insurance’ to support certain basic needs.

I never came to ‘like’ Richard Nixon.  I many ideas that differ from politicians locally, state-wide and nationally. And many presidents have followed with whom I have had to make my peace.  But it’s easier now because I don’t ‘hate’ my elected officials.  I certainly have high expectations of them, but I have those same high expectations of myself.

The trick is to not confuse the commitment to ideas, ideals and practical action with eliminating the opposition.   Branch Rickey’s advice to Jackie Robinson may apply here

Things in the nation are troubling to you? Look in the mirror.   Ask.  “Am I ready to participate in a way that seeks a different path than attacking the politicians who I don’t like or agree with?”  “Will I seek with my neighbors a different way?”