This article from The Washington Post stood out to me causing me to ponder the affect of power on the human psyche. Being a simple woman, without an MD, PhD, or even BS after my name, I thought about the personalities of people who choose to go into politics on any level and what can happen to them when they obtain a small amount of power. I do believe most make the step in an effort to make a positive difference; however, all too often that leads to years of being in control. It is not a healthy scenario for anyone.
Art Teacher Beautifies Local Business
A Conway, New Hampshire high school art teacher wanted to give her students a special project and noticed the blank area above the local doughnut shop and thought about a mural, an idea the business owner embraced.
Mindful of the town’s ordinance against large signs, the students were careful to use only images and no words. Their assumption was if there are no words it isn’t a sign. The work, painted on wood then placed on the building, is filled with colorful images of morning pastries against a backdrop of a sunrise.
What happened next caught everyone off guard. The town of Conway decided it isn’t merely art, it is indeed a sign and must be taken down. The shop owner is fighting for the right to keep it on his building. The legal battle continues.
Mountains and Mole Hills
I am not here to argue one side or the other. I understand both sides and will not state my opinion because that isn’t the purpose of the story. I prefer to look at the human nature side of the situation and extrapolate it out to a larger stage.
The desire to be in charge is inherent in human nature. Some of us feel it more strongly than others, but we all have this trait. Have you ever watched a toddler who is learning the power of the word “no” use it to great effect? I’m not sure everyone outgrows that toddler mentality; some people just get bigger and learn new ways to stomp their feet in an attempt to enforce their will on others.
The Washington War Machine
Power is seductive. A small taste creates the desire for more. The vicious cycle begins and continues to churn until an immovable object stops forward progress. I don’t trust anyone who has held a position of power for a long time. Human nature is human nature, political party has nothing to do with this need for power.
I am uncomfortable with the current mood in Washington. The things being said about stopping Russia are some of the same talking points we’ve heard before. I am not an isolationist but if my house is on fire I’m not going to go see if someone across town needs help and let my home burn to the ground. The phrase “Nero fiddled while Rome burned” comes to mind.
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give is to remember what is seen, heard and read all has a point of view and is done for ratings, readers and viewers. I simply turn it off when I have had enough – and it doesn’t take long.
One of the most encouraging things I have seen thus far are voters – young voters – on both sides of the political isle angry and frightened over what is being done and the potential for a catastrophic war. They have their entire lives ahead of them and they are scared. As well they should be. I hope they get involved.
We, the American people, no matter our party affiliation, need to stand together to hold elected officials accountable. We need to talk to each other. We need to take care of our communities so that healing and repair begins small and grows to affect the whole country.
Maybe it is time we all take up the rope and pull together for the good of our communities and country. Politicians work for us. A fact most of them forgot many years ago.
From Where I Sit 