I must say that when I read Logan Jenkins's column in today's San Diego Union-Tribune {Monday May 31, 2010} I had mixed emotions. On the one hand, i was very proud of my contribution to a great effort on the part of many San Diegans which saved us from having to endure the pain and suffering being felt in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama because of the oil well disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. One the other hand, I was sad because i do not think that kind of effort can be duplicated in today's world. Let me explain what causes me to be sad.
We were a bunch of aspiring politicians and community activists who came together to fight for a just cause. Back in the mid and late 1970's, politics was still considered a noble profession. Our coalition was made up of young and old, men and women, rich and poor, business people and environmentalists and Republicans and Democrats; amongst many others. We were all able to put our egos and personal agendas aside so that we could "fight the good fight". That was the cement that held us together and I believe caused us to be successful. It's a model for success that should be emulated for all time.
Here's the problem and thus the sadness. In today's world, can Republicans and Democrats, young people and old people, men and women, rich people and poor people and business people and environmentalists come together to fight for any common cause? I think not. Today, we live in a different world. When our politicians, our media and our business, spiritual and social leaders start stressing our common purpose and really mean what they say; then maybe we can return to a better time for our country and it's people. Now that would cause me to be happy.
We were a bunch of aspiring politicians and community activists who came together to fight for a just cause. Back in the mid and late 1970's, politics was still considered a noble profession. Our coalition was made up of young and old, men and women, rich and poor, business people and environmentalists and Republicans and Democrats; amongst many others. We were all able to put our egos and personal agendas aside so that we could "fight the good fight". That was the cement that held us together and I believe caused us to be successful. It's a model for success that should be emulated for all time.
Here's the problem and thus the sadness. In today's world, can Republicans and Democrats, young people and old people, men and women, rich people and poor people and business people and environmentalists come together to fight for any common cause? I think not. Today, we live in a different world. When our politicians, our media and our business, spiritual and social leaders start stressing our common purpose and really mean what they say; then maybe we can return to a better time for our country and it's people. Now that would cause me to be happy.
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