"from the ashes of destruction grow the roses of success..."--Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
OK, so my hopes and dreams for a more walkable, sustainable community here in Albuquerque got smacked down in a big, public, painful way Monday night. It was every Kossak's worst nightmare, a room full of self-satisfied rich Republicans scuttling a program to formalize a city-wide multiple use trail system, using lies, misperceptions, and slander. A body led by corrupt officials siding with the monied interests. A progressive populace too complacent with the status quo to recognize trouble on their doorstep. The "bad guys" winning.
I have waited 24 hours so I could write about it without using profanities every other word and calling for mobs with pitchforks. When my favorite uncle was dying, he tried to share two very difficult teachings, that I am trying to apply here, so that my sorrow and anger can perhaps help other progressives when they go to push through important changes in your own communities. His lessons were these:
- When life throws obstacles in your way, ask yourself, what am I supposed to learn from this?
- it's OK to feel bad (or angry), as long you don't judge that feeling as "bad." Suffering is as normal as joy.
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