LETTERS

A call to ‘save our state’

Posted 6/16/15

To the Editor:

In my place of knowing, I see this vessel we inhabit, the “Ocean State,” once again drifting perilously toward the annual summer storm aptly named “Chaos.”

The commanders …

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LETTERS

A call to ‘save our state’

Posted

To the Editor:

In my place of knowing, I see this vessel we inhabit, the “Ocean State,” once again drifting perilously toward the annual summer storm aptly named “Chaos.”

The commanders of this fragile ship of state are struggling to steer a path to a familiar place of refuge. This path has become increasingly difficult to navigate. The buoy markers pointing its direction, relied on in so many past storms, have ceased to exist. Those who have come before have also steered the “Ocean State” along these traditional path markers, destroying many with the heft of their wake.

How will the present command crew face the persistent difficulties before them? Will this authority abandon past practices of seeking the refuge in familiar ports of call? Will they resort to confiscating the fragile resources of many of its remaining passengers for more fuel? Or will they finally see the need to lighten the vessel load for the sake of the greater good?

The founding commander of our vessel “Ocean State” desired to live under a governing system that eliminated the oppressive influence of collusion. His intention was to reduce the likelihood of narrow dominance from one particular group of like minds. The influence of union is pervasive within our governing bodies; it has supplanted church. Top to bottom, from each local and state administration, to the last dues paying member on the roll, there is no separation of minds.

The estranged taxpayer’s property and revenue are viewed as a resource to feed the bloated body politic. The mantra of the command party is to “grow” the resource base. Put differently, increase the cost of “dues” or identify new ways to extract “dues.” The new “piggy bank” for infrastructure, the new toll on large trucks over roadway overpass bridges, a new state property tax, the new insurance exchange taxes are all new fuel sources to continue the voyage.

Angry and frustrated voices continue to challenge the motivation of past and present command staffs. The good government citizens repeatedly demand a reduction in the “size” of the state and local governing bodies, or routinely advocate “cuts” in how much money is expended in support of the many resource-demanding programs. What these voices are repeatedly failing to comprehend is that requesting a reduction in the size of government is akin to asking the power structure to starve their families. Demanding “cuts” to government budgets is like asking them to chop off an extremity. It brings forth a fear of being helpless, increasing the anxiety of losing control to the divestment of their power. This is an anathema to the nurtured, narrow mind of the body politic.

I once asked myself this question, “What is the purpose of fear in my life?” It is a reminder of our ability to choose. It shows us that we are not helpless beings. We can direct our minds to use its skills and executive functions to identify reasonable and fair choices. What makes us human is our ability to be consciously aware, to see our “selves” think, sense and do. It is from this place of awareness, knowing of this opportunity to choose, that we can each find our unique happiness and peace.

All aboard the “Ocean State” have this ability to choose. Some hold tightly to fleeting power. Some recoil from the thought of uncoupling loyalties. Many feel tethered by vested interest in real property, others by personal interest in family or friends. Nevertheless, the opportunity to choose exists. Those who ignore the present reality before them are choosing to suffer within that reality.

Wisdom reveals human deprivation and dissatisfaction results from thirst, craving and greed. The delusion of many in government is not seeing things as they are aboard the “Ocean State.” This emanates from the ego-driven emotional need to defend fixed views and a desire to cling to rigid practices. Many of the tangible actions of unbalanced thought, set in motion by those previously endowed with power, ignored the opportunity to choose a more sensible course and have done great harm.

Political bias has fostered persistent isolation from external investment. It is time to signal SOS.

Robin Giacomini

North Providence

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