I’m feeling philosophical today, so I hope you will take a moment to listen.
We are being taught that intolerance and hate are acceptable.
They are not.
Whether you follow the beliefs of a religion or you are an atheist like me and you live according to the integrity found within yourself, you know what it is to be a good citizen within a functioning society.
I don’t believe our society is on the verge of collapse, but I do believe we are terribly dysfunctional and trending in the wrong direction.
You know the list. It doesn’t appear that a top-down approach is going to fix anything in this case. Maybe a bottom-to-top approach would work better. They say it takes a village, so let’s start building functioning villages within our communities and try to improve our society’s health from the inside out.
Only we, the citizens of this society, have the power to correct our course. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “how can I instigate positive change within my sphere of influence?” And then get out there and do it.
Find where government cuts have left funding gaps in food, housing and educational programs in your community. Get creative. Help fundraise. Spread the word. Activate your village.
I have had the privilege of observing the power of the people within Lewis County, especially East Lewis County, to give and love and care for their own. I am confident, together, we will move mountains.
Teresa Fenn
Packwood
