Justify
I attended a town-hall meeting at the Kildeer Elementary School yesterday. The meeting was convened by our 10th District Representative to Congress, Brad Schneider. I’ve attended other public gatherings hosted by Brad. I am struck with how similar these meetings are. Given that yesterday was one of those early spring days, with blue sky and plenty of sun, perfect for yard and garden work–there was a crowd of at least 100 citizens. The ages of those in attendance was weighted toward the senior citizen side, but there was good representation of young adult, and middle aged individuals. The questions asked, the concerns expressed were the same as those offered up in Q & A sessions held months ago. Certainty much is in flux, change seems to come at us like hail driven by the spring thunder storm–if you pay attention to the news feed on your cell phone screen. A case can be made that very little has changed, nothing fundamental in the way politics is conducted in our country. I overheard a senior citizen asking one of Schneider’s aids for help in negotiating Medicare regulations. She was about to see her drug costs skyrocket. That circumstance is common.
I like Brad Schneider. He is articulate, competent, and cares for the welfare of his community. Yet he and those he represents are enmeshed in a state of protracted conflict. One individual who stood to ask a question in the meeting, attacked Schneider for being a shill for big corporations, angrily gesticulating with a hand full of documents. Schneider patiently listened, and after the opposing rant was finished, calmly offered his reply. The volley of accusation is emblematic of the big picture with us.
I do not think that the Freedom Caucus in Congress listens, or is capable of compromise in matters of public policy negotiations, and law making. Theirs is a scorched earth approach. Concede nothing to those with whom you disagree. I am reminded of the old Southern plantation aristocracies adamant inability to compromise the basis of their wealth which was the enslavement of others. Of course we all know that resulted in the Cadets of the Citadel at Charleston firing their guns on Fort Sumpter. Those young men thought that day was a glorious day. The church bells of Charleston rang in celebration.. In fact it was the beginning of four years of death by battle, starvation and disease.
On another note.
I watched on television as Justify won the the 144th Kentucky Derby. Seeing the race, and the mastery of Justify taking and holding the lead in a driving rain, on a muddy track sparked a feeling of transcendence in my soul. I felt awe. The horse had not been raced before. Mike Smith, the 52 year old jockey finished the race unmuddied in his white colors, as he kept the horse out front from the starting gate. It helps when watching the running of the Derby from the my sofa, that I have visited Churchill Downs. The Derby and the tradition of history and horsemanship that surrounds it, is a testimony of achievable greatness given a proportionate engagement between humans and Nature.
May that someday be true of our nation
2 thoughts on “Justify”
Ironic Juxtaposition is the true Kentucky Derby winner. A horse named Justify wins the Derby (and a decent chance at the Triple Crown) unintentionally acting as the namesake for both the current state of our political arena and the overall malaise of our culture. We have come to justify any behavior as long as it fits our narrative and what was beyond the pale of belief is now every day fodder for our daily news. We have gone through clever Reverend Dodgson’s looking glass to find Mad Hatter’s, doors we cannot get through, disappearing cats, rabbit’s with pocket watches and pills that make us smaller. The world is upside down and we can only guess at how to interpret the insanity that confronts us on almost every level.
Yet, in the end, on Saturday, Justify was just a speedy horse. We can interpret it as a Sign of the Times or just enjoy the show. Perhaps that’s all we can ask of a racehorse, for we are immersed in the politics of life whether we like it or not and there will always be another race. For horse fans, next race is the Preakness. For the rest of us it’s November 6th.
Interpretation is at the discretion of the individual. Justify can be appreciated as a speedy thoroughbred and as a harbinger of our time. November 6 will be momentous. The stakes are greater than we can imagine.