One thing that is evident to me after Thinking Out Loud for almost three years is that there are some issues, topics, and subjects that people will read, maybe nod their head to in agreement, or acknowledgement, and then there are other issues that set off a tirade of passionate comments.
Hot buttons can be a key that unlocks our emotions. Whether it be sidewalks, or intersections, or the laundry list of other topics that have caused recluses not heard from for years to venture out of their Lazy Boys, and onto the internet to vent their opinions, these emotional issues have stirred a passion for doing the right thing.
Some times when a person is passionate for change, and just "ain't gonna take it anymore", they will run for office, hopefully win , and finally be in the position to evoke that positive change we all seek.
Tom Creamer took this route.
I think there are many, many more here in town that would like that same opportunity. Maybe not to run for office, but to stand up, voice their opinion, and be heard beyond the comment section of a local blog, or local newspaper. There are enough out there that think similarly that if organized, their small passionate voices would become so much louder, and impossible not to hear, and acknowledge.
It is worth a shot. Those interested in sharing common local passions, and ideas should meet each other in person over a cup of coffee. Exchange their ideas, maybe meet regularly enough to put their hodge podge collection of wishes, dreams, and thoughts into some order, and once done, then begin to speak out with a stronger, collective voice.
Organizing works. If enough people out there organized their passions they would be heard, and become strong enough to cause the changes they would like to see.
Just a thought.
Passion burns brightest when shared.
There was such a group called "Citizens for the 90's", worked extremely well. Perhaps it is the time to start another.
ReplyDeleteI think your post is a good one, only for the fact that: if people did leave their Lazy-boys, they would get a dose of reality and stop making judgments without having all the facts.
ReplyDeleteFacts?
ReplyDeleteHey! We've heard all the facts we were given, and if you have more "facts" you would like to give us, there is a nice comment box here. There are some people who fear that if the "masses" knew the real facts in this world... yada-yada-yada.
ReplyDeleteHere's your opportunity to once again post your version of the facts and say something like: "People who question Town Hall are nothing but a lazy bunch of bums who do nothing but cast aspersions on those of us who volunteer." Sorry, that is not a fact, we do our part in many ways other than politics, but our so called "laziness" (and other language a bit meaner) has been suggested and even stated as a "fact" at times right on these pages.
So give us some facts, and please don't say that we have to call Town Hall to get them. That doesn't work very well - and going to a BOS meeting, as folks did on Sept. 7th didn't work very well either. There has to be an honestly caring human element included somewhere along the line for a "fact" to be useful.
I am concerned that if we did form a group, anger might lead the way, and though helpful in some ways, folks would have to make sure everyone kept themselves in check. Look what's happened with those tea party groups. I don't understand why they began (because my politics are very, very different for theirs), but whatever their roots, they have attracted some very dangerous elements.
Please, if you have some real facts which we should be aware of, fill in the "Post a Comment" box below. But please make sure they are REAL facts. Thank you.
P.S. WE do live in reality!
Crickets! Concerned Citizens for Responsibility, Kindness and Truth in Sturbridge. CCRKTS
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we formed a "Cricket Club," and wore cricket logos of some sort (not OSV logos, that belong to OSV) but our own CCRKTS logos, or little cricket designs (bumper stickers?) etc. to show that we, individually, are part of a growing and important group in town, would that help send a message to Town Hall that they really shouldn't be buying things without funding, and that they should stop hearing without listening or really giving a d_nm? I'm a cricket and hope you are one too. Maybe someday someone will be able to take the name and use it formally for the good of this town. More power to them. Fellow Crickets, in the meantime, continue to listen and chirp and remember crickets are good and always welcome.
Of course, if a few crickets showed up in one place at the same time they might make persistent sound loud enough to be noticed. One never knows where he might find a cricket, but rest assured, there are plenty of us around.
ReplyDeleteHow would one become a Cricket? Let your conscience be your guide! If you decide to be a Cricket, just say to yourself, "I am a Cricket." If you can locate some sort of a pin, pendent - whatever you can come up with in the shape of a cricket, or the initials in an above post, which would help others to recognize you as a Cricket, all the better. Crazy idea? Yes. Simple? Yes. Crazy/Good idea? Well, it could be the start of something good.
ReplyDeleteOSV's logo is a grasshopper, so we would be safe with a cricket. I like it. A commonality, a united voice. Maybe some brainstorming over coffee at Sturbridge Coffee.
ReplyDeleteYes, I like this idea a lot.
Good! I'm so glad you all are thinking about joining the real world, attending meetings, and using that hidden armchair energy to try to make a difference. What you will learn is: 1) no one is hiding anything; 2) there's more to any story than what you read in the paper; 3) you're wrong about some of your assumptions.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Go for it. Also, I think the most recent post with selectmen's and town administrator e-mails is the best. I hope you all use them.
To this last poster...Did't you hear Mary Dowling at the selectment's meting on the 7th??? She doesn't want people to e-mail her but rather appear before the Board in person. Guess that's so she can reinterate that she knows best how to spend our money so, tough luck if we don't aways agree with her.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to think you have inside information that the rest of us don't have. Please share it with us. Perhaps we have asked the wrong questions of the wrong people at Town Hall, and that's why the folks who have been speaking up there were given little importance and dismissed???? Is our English not good enough for you? Do we all have bad breath? Why are you not telling us what it is that you find so important? You said that nothing is being hidden. Good. I'm glad to hear it. So if there is something that we haven't discovered that would make us all feel better, have a heart and share. Show us that you are willing to interact in the real world with the rest of us.
Anonymous wrote of "using that hidden armchair energy." That person sure uses only one brush when he or she paints a picture! No imagination, I guess. Everyone who disagrees with the way these projects were handled is called lazy once again. Dream on, Anonymous, dream on. I feel sorry for you.
ReplyDelete