Former Chaska Mayor
As we observe across our country the concerning rhetoric and hate-filled actions, it creates a lot of emotions.
It creates fear. Fear of what is going on in our country that for so many years has been the beacon of possibility and hope for so many that have little hope and possibility, as they look to the future. That hope seemingly is being dimmed.
It creates disappointment in the reactions of so many that seemingly disregard the venomous attacks and continued fiery rhetoric that fan the flames of discord. The flames of opposition that threaten and now take the life of a duly elected state official. And it creates horror when one watches the coverage of slain and assaulted government representatives right here in our home state.
Our hearts pour out sorrow to the families whose lives have been changed forever and outrage at such actions taken against elected officials.
What have we come to, when we can’t agree to disagree respectfully? When we can’t act with civility in our interactions and be respectful and peaceful in showing our concern or in debate. Rather it has become a win-lose proposition with no middle ground or common ground to compromise on. This is not acceptable and must be addressed.
What we can do ourselves is hold each other accountable. Accountable to act with respect for all and with dignity in our own actions and behaviors, and not with personal attacks or attacks filled with hate. It is why peaceful demonstrations against hate and angry rhetoric and blame are important, and respecting elected leaders so they do not have to fear for their lives. We can and must do better.
We must be responsible in our actions and behaviors. Share your hearts and your thoughts, but be civil and respectful. Let our actions be done with respect that requires respect back, with dignity that demands dignity back, and with responsible actions that require such actions back.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
We’ve talked about building community a lot over the years. This view is one that values every person no matter their age, their capability or their economic status … nor how they look or sound. Our communities a while back adopted eight core community values that say we “Respect Others.” It adopted a value for the Human Worth and Dignity of Every Person. It valued Learning and being Responsible in our actions.
This was done with the recognition that the community is changing and it was important to recognize that change is coming. That fact was critical to recognize this growing Diversity and the importance of providing Equity and place a priority on Inclusion of and for all.
This brings us to the de-emphasis of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a priority. The identification of it as a negative and in some way threatening is contrary to the ability to build a healthy community for all. Rather, it is a critical path to the building and sustaining of healthy communities, and their strong sense of community, as we grow and experience change.
How can this not be an emphasis? How can this not be a priority? If you believe in the building of community – a community for all – it must be a priority. This has been the history of our community and it must be our future. If we are to learn from our history and heritage, then we must continue to place a priority on building our sense of community so we can be the strongest we can be.
When it flooded in Chaska years ago and homes were swamped, all were Included and Belonged to the community. It didn’t matter what economic class you were in, or what faith or party you belonged to, help and support were provided, because you were a member of the community. All were respected, valued and included. The reality is that we shouldn’t have to wait for a natural disaster to demonstrate that strong sense of community. The need is to make it who we are, EVERY DAY!
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Let’s hope that our future needs to embrace this thinking across our country, and reinforces us to believe in the possibility of every person. Our elected officials must continue to be respected and not be threatened by those filled with bias and prejudice. A true democracy believes this.
It does take courage to lead. As Franklin Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” rather we stand up to negative and threatening actions, and believe in a future for all. We believe in the freedoms of America, and the democracy we value, which young men and women have fought and died for.
Our diversity, the equity for all and the inclusion of all is a basic tenant of a healthy community. That has been part of our cherished history and must be a critical component of its healthy future. That has been the strength of America and that must always be the future we aspire to retain and build even stronger!
