All too often we mire
ourselves in unnecessary
arguments and debates.
There is of course a certain
intellectual enjoyment that
comes with that particular
territory. I admit that there
are times when I delight in
arguing in defense of an opposing
viewpoint just for
the pleasure of the game.
Plato advised us long
ago to play what he characterizes
as the `believing
game’ when confronted
with an argument or perspective
that might run
counter to one’s own. Most
often we find ourselves
standing on firm ground,
but the deeper, more objective
analysis of a position
that the believing game requires
offers an opportunity
to strengthen one’s position
rather than weaken it. On
the other hand, there are
issues, however much they
are debated, that are irrelevant
to the larger question
that appears to have
sparked an argument in
the first place. Given the
infinite variety of ways we
have of differing with one
another, it occurs to me
that we should be focusing
less on our differences and
more on our commonalities.
Unfortunately, there is a
climate of contentiousness
that has infected America
to the point where unless
we make a concerted effort
to establish common ground
in a civil manner this democracy
we so cherish will
go down the tubes.
An excellent example of
an unnecessary debate is
over the issue of climate
change, i.e. global warming.
There is no doubt that
the earth is warming up.
The consequences of that
are clear and obvious. There
are those who claim it is
just another weather cycle.
It is also true that with respect
to geologic time our
records of climate fluctuations
are slim.
And there are those who
see us as the primary culprits.
The truth is that it
does not matter who or
what is to blame. If we continue
to pollute the planet
and live in ways that are
patently unsustainable,
both environmentally and
economically, then we are
leading ourselves down a
pretty scary path. I want a
brighter future for my
grandchildren and everyone
else’s.
I was gratified recently
when a close friend, whose
politics are quite at odds
with mine, opined that
while he remained skeptical
of climate change theory
it really did not matter. As
he put it, we simply can not
continue screwing up the
planet. No matter what the
reasons for global warming
might be, he said, we irrevocably
imperil our existence
if we do not change
our ways. I live a life up
here on the hill as closely
tied to nature as possible.
He lives in a wealthy Connecticut
suburb where all
the homes are large and
gas guzzling, very expensive
cars are the norm. It
gratifies me that two people
living such different lives
can agree on a matter so vital
to our survival. It was
the kind of experience that
keeps my hopes alive. Our
salvation lies in our active
recognition of our common
humanity, a recognition
that celebrates difference
while at the same time
sharing the responsibility
for safeguarding and healing
the very natural environment
that nurtures and
makes possible our continued
existence.
We have six chickens.
Two are one breed and four
another. They are getting
on famously. They perch
closely huddled together at
night, wander about the
place in a tightly knit pack
during the days I let them
out, and generally comport
themselves with an admirable
civility towards one
another. I do not know all
chickens; I just know my
chickens. But I like what I
see. They do not dither
about global warming or
climate change. They are
content with a scrap of
cracked corn here, a succulent
slug there. Contrary to
what I rather flippantly
suggested to a friend a few
weeks ago, I really am not
interested in becoming a
chicken, or any other animal
for that matter. But I
do wish for a world where
simplicity reigns a bit more
supreme and where, as
Wendell Berry puts it, our
lives are characterized not
by greed and consumerism,
but by thrift, generosity,
and temperance. As he puts
it, ``spending is not an economic
virtue.’’ Spending is
in large part responsible for
the climate predicament we
find ourselves arguing
about. Why not give the environment
a gift this Christmas?
Find out what you
can do to help start the
healing process. The opportunities
are illimitable.
Additional essays appear
periodically on my
blog at rjderosa.wordpress.
com.
Columns
Hawthorn Hill: Issues and the arguments that follow
- Columns
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From Fly Creek: Cheers for the Blue Rabbit!
My handwriting’s always been an embarrassment. Way back in elementary school, while most of the others were developing a clear, sometimes graceful hand (especially the girls), my penmanship showed no improvement.
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In These Otsego Hills: This and that ...
We have found the weather so far this year to be on the unusual side. And while we have no problem with the fact that we have received very little snow, we are of the opinion that what we have had instead is not particularly to our liking either. In fact, we are very hesitant to venture out much as we live in fear that the rain will turn to mixed precipitation which will freeze into a sheet of ice. And we are definitely opposed to encountering a sheet of ice underfoot. In fact, we are so hesitant that we now have taken to canceling our participation in events based on what just might be a dubious forecast.
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Book Notes: Feinstein’s latest is sheer enjoyment
Most people who follow sports have probably heard of John Feinstein. As a nationally known author, sportswriter, pundit and broadcaster, he has brought a unique angle to sports journalism. His groundbreaking book on Bobby Knight’s 1986-87 Indiana University basketball team, “A Season on the Brink,” still resonates today as an all-time classic.
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Book Notes: No Trekkie should miss Shatner’s books
It would be hard to find a television phenomenon as popular as “Star Trek.” Even though it was only on television for three seasons and 79 episodes (1966-69) it attracted viewers and devotees that still follow it passionately 45 years later. The fanatical supportspawned several movies and television spinoffs. Star Trek conventions continue to this day. There has never been anything like it.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Making sense of things
A book I have been reading investigates the various ways over time that we have made sense of the world. It carries the reader through to the present via several seminal classical texts and ultimately aims to suggest a strategy for “ finding meaning in a secular age.”
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In These Otsego Hills: ‘Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.’ − John Adams
Last week we were asked if we would be interested in previewing a documentary, “The Empire State Divide,”produced by the Foundation for Land & Liberty. And we were more than happy to do so as we understood the documentary dealt with the problems that continue to face family farms.
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From Fly Creek: Now wait a minute!
On the ninth day of Christmas, driving down Cooperstown’s Eagle Street, I saw something astounding! No, not “nineladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans” etc. I saw one jogger jogging. And puffing on a cigarette.
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In These Otsego Hills: Goals of the past and goals of the future
We have long subscribed to the concept that we are always more successful if we, number one, set a goal and then, number two, meet it. And this was our thinking when we decided before Christmas to watch at least part of every college football bowl game. It was perhaps an odd, if not completely nonsensical, goal.
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In These Otsego Hills: Not to our liking ...
It is with sadness that we note the recent death of Steve Nagel. The son-inlaw of our late husband’s cousins, Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek, Steve was married to the Ecklers’ oldest daughter, Gail. We had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with the Nagels and the Ecklers in Fly Creek, greatly enjoying the delicious food and delightful conversation.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Of birds and faith
I watch birds quite a bit. Every five days or so I send in a report to Cornell as partof its annual Project Feeder Watch program. The data, collected from volunteers from all over the country, enables scientists to track population trends. I would spend quite a bit of time checking out the visitors to our feeders anyway. Participating in the feeder program makes a personal pleasure that much more meaningful. It is rare that aesthetical and scientific endeavors work in tandem.
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Book Notes: Biography captures the real Stephen Colbert
It would be hard to find a comedian as unique as Stephen Colbert. As the host of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central he hasmanaged to leave his mark on the nation’s consciousness in both a serious and humorous sort of way. His unusual wit has allowed him to become American icon. It would be difficult to find another entertainer quite like him.
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From Fly Creek: Christmas and varied blessings
I’m still astounded! The last farmers’ market before Christmas, I was sitting up front, directly under the ceiling heater, shmoozing with the hoi-polloi. (That’s an awkward linguistic mix,but let’s let it go.) As I sipped my hot coffee, a gloved hand came to rest on my shoulder and a warm voice said, “Merry Christmas, Jim.” I looked to my left—it was Santa Claus!
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In These Otsego Hills: Always a learning experience ...
We must admit that we thoroughly enjoyed our 2011 Christmas celebration. We partook of Christmas Eve dinner at the home of Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek and Christmas Day dinner at the home of Sandy and Al Bullard of Milford. We had our usual Christmas Day brunch at home on Pioneer Street, although we must admit it was a tad bit later than usual as, what we enjoyed most about Christmas, namely our granddaughter Abby, took a great deal of time opening her Christmas presents.
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In These Otsego Hills: Coming up ... 2012
Difficult as it seems, 2011 is fast coming to an end. And it is always our hope that as a year draws to a close, the issues which have been in the forefront during the year will be resolved. Unfortunately, we suspect that will not be the case this year. Instead, we are fairly certain that many of the issues that plagued this year, will continue to plague next year. Thus we will find ourselves still musing about the same issues we have spent time with already. And while we have not come toany conclusions about many of the issues, we do think they would all likely benefit from both sides thinking critically about perspective, risk assessment and possible solutions.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Circularity
When she was a puppy my dog Gabby would run in what I described then as “circles of joy.” She celebrated her15th birthday a few weeks ago and despite the inevitable frailties that old age imposes upon all of us, she is doing pretty well.
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Book Notes: Grisham doesn’t disappoint
John Grisham is one of this country’s most popular authors. Every time he publishes a book it’s an instant best-seller. He appeared on the scene about 20 years ago with his tense legal thrillers, “A Time to Kill” and “The Firm,”and hasn’t stopped producing top-notch novels since.
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From Fly Creek: Still singing, beyond our hearing
This column from Christmas 2001 still speaks deeply to me, and perhaps will to you, too. Take it, please, as my Christmas gift.
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In These Otsego Hills: The 2011 Cooperstown Carol
Since 1984, with the exception of one year, 1999, we have looked forward at the end of the year to going through all the issues of the paper in order to glean those news items which have been worthy of note throughout the year and which should make their way into our annual Cooperstown Carol.
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In These Otsego Hills: Dear Santa ...
Although we tend to think Christmas is for children and thus rarely think about what we might like to have, this year we have decided to let Santa know what might be left under the tree with our name on it. Of course, we fully understand if our list is a bit long, a bit expensive and a bitlate. However, we have just finished reading our November issue of Health and so have just realized what we need that we do not currently have.
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Up on Hawthorn Hill: Irony abounds
These are querulous times. Dissent and disagreement, as uncomfortable as they sometimes are, are essential components of a viable democracy. Democracies are always messy because everyone has a right to speak his mind and because whenever a majority is able to gain the numerical upper hand it pretty much runs the show. Several political philosophers have written quite persuasively of what they characterize as the “tyranny of the majority.” Get enough people on your side and you have the opportunity to get your way so long as you are able to maintain power. I suspect that most thoughtful people would agree that wisdom is hard to come by.
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From Fly Creek: Cheers for the Blue Rabbit!
