Getting There

No, we are not on a road trip. The kids are not wailing, nor repeatedly asking ‘are we there yet?’ Rather, today’s message is about ‘getting it’, you know, like understanding what it’s all about.

Awoke with electronic beeps this morning. At 3 am. Diminutive flashing lights suggesting activity outdoors. An arrhythmic thump and thud. Finally the sounds and light show came together – it snowed. Plows are busy getting ready for the commuters, City Hall visitors/parkers, streets along Main Street, and our own parking lot and driveway.

It is winter and it gets cold. And it snows. And with passing years housing options are more selective regarding chores, routines and effort. Ours is an elevator apartment complex. Indoor gang garage with assigned parking. And heat! No more frozen locks or waiting 30 minutes to deice the windshield. No slow cranking engine starts, either.

And of course work crews who clean the sidewalks, driveway and parking lot outdoors.

In our neighborhood the public walks are even cleared by city crews in mechanize mini plows. Lights flashing and beepers sounding (when backing up) there is no mistaking work activity. For the benefit of others, and us! A nice feeling, really. Comforting. I feel appreciated in this. I hope the workers feel appreciated as well.

When I witness emergency crews rushing down the street I wonder if it is a sudden illness, or an auto accident, or fire that has aroused the emergency crews. Or a crime. Do we citizens understand the vitality of these services regardless of cause? Do we appreciate the hard work and nasty business they often are called upon to perform? For us? The citizenry.

I recall the angry voices declaring all government as bad and wasteful. Yet government provides our fire and police departments. The same government provides street cleaning, snow plowing, road salting, road construction and repair, as well; the same government. And other specialized local governments provide the schools, libraries, park districts among the many other services we need and expect. Yes they cost money. That is what the tax bill is about. Are the taxes sufficient to provide for our needs? Or are they too much?

I guess it depends on who is in need of a service. Not all of us are; in need; of service. But I think we each are at some point in our lives. And we expect help, help we cannot do for ourselves. Or perhaps it is a need of a loved one, a friend, a respected neighbor? These are the services our community needs, even deserves. It defines who we are as a community. Do we care about each other? Do we provide a level of service that we all deserve?

I think so. And then there are the government services of the county – elections, public health, regional educational coordination and standards, sheriff’s department, emergency management services, disaster recovery services, flood protections and avoidance, waste water and storm water management, environmental protections, and so much more – if the county doesn’t do this, who does? And at what cost. Taxes again. Services, too. All in need, all for each of us. Taxes the life blood of these quality of life items.

No, government is not the problem.

Of course the food chain of services rises to regional and state levels. The legal system, courts, family welfare and social intervention systems, adoption, family and children’s services, life and death and social order issues we know we have to support but don’t like being involved in. There are people who rely on their ‘villages’ to survive. Food stamps. Medical care. Housing vouchers. The basics.

Police state? 1984 government environment? Big Brother breathing down my neck?

I don’t think so. The breath we feel is ours in caring for others. It is we the people who make this happen. Not always pleasant chores, but necessary ones. We tend to the needed business in group ways through government. It’s like a Hallmark Card – when you care enough to send the very best! From us to you.

All of the above is about state and local government services. But much of these have a home for research, development, financial assistance and a framework of equality regardless of means of the community. That home is the national government. So many programs. So many services. All to help other groups, governments and individuals produce services needed by so many.

That’s part of what being an American is all about.

Taxes make these good things happen. But it isn't about taxes.

It’s about caring for others. Something we learned from our grandparents, and kindergarten, too.

Swell!

January 8, 2015