We live on such a beautiful island don't we? It's almost paradise,
almost because there is still so much that needs to be done to ensure that our environment and our way of life is protected while at the same time keeping pace with the advances in healthcare, education, politics and many more. I hate to sound so pessimistic, but we all know we've been doing things wrong for a very, very long time. All you have to do is look around you to see that we ignore the most grievous responsibilities as an island community. Responsibilities like budgeting our resources appropriately and overseeing that allocated revenue is not further mismanaged.
Government and society share this responsibility equally and we've fallen embarrassingly short. There is equal power in our vote and in our voice, or so I would like to believe. So simplistic, I know, but it all comes down to doing what's right and it all starts with you. As a citizen I'm frustrated and disillusioned. We clean up petty ads on storefront windows and ignore the prostitution that lurks on our streets. We have a plethora of poker arcades and how many libraries? There is an array of adult night entertainment, but what's available for families and children?
I'm frustrated that our votes don't always translate into true representation of our needs as a community and that when people start to make their voices heard they are attacked personally and professionally. I'm frustrated at the idea that gamesmanship will never end when there are more important things to be fought over, like seeking out renewable energy, trimming a bloated and inefficient government, holding those who squander resources accountable and demanding higher standards while providing a higher level of support.
I sat on the beach this Sunday and watched my children play in the water. The sand is still as clean as it was when I played on the same beach as a child. I realized that many things have stayed the same, which is a relief. I am a creature of habit and I don't welcome change that easily, but there is a time when everyone must take stock of what's happening internally and externally. Change is difficult, painful and necessary if we are to grow. Change must be meaningful. Change is unstoppable, like the shore at the beach that looks the same as it always has, but is undeniably shorter than when I was a little girl digging for clams.
What do you think needs to change the most?
I woke up Valentine's morning and Wayne was already getting ready to head out the door. While I spent the rest of the morning at work he was somewhere in the jungle with TonTon cutting down a twenty bamboo stalk bouquet. In lieu of flowers, which HJ says are just a commercial gimmick designed to dry men's pocketbooks, I got three handmade candles. My contribution was some fresh salsa, homemade guacamole and a bag of multi-grain chips. Wayne added a nice bottle of Mondavi and our beach mat. We spent the evening at dinner with some friends who showed up to share our table and then headed to the beach for an evening picnic. I loved it, stars, wind, the smell of the sea, good friends and my honey by my side. What a wonderful night!
