Just a small rant...who is 9-1-1?

 First: I am so happy to see a dramatically increased level of focus on the profession of working in 9-1-1. It is long past time for those who work in this incredibly demanding field to get recognition for what they do. 

However, I also feel it is terribly important to acknowledge that 9-1-1 is a team sport. Even for those who work in single seat operations, they are part of something much bigger. The others who work in the center, the field responders, the community, every other public safety professional, and even vendors are all part of the system the ensures that someone gets help when the phone call comes. Putting one person at the center of that sends a false message- that you can do it alone, that you should do it alone. With the challenges so many organizations and communities face, if ever there was a time to acknowledge when we are connected and even dependent on each other, that time is now. 

So forgive me when I say, “WE are 9-1-1.”

Wounded Bake Sales

 It seems they are constant this time of year. Requests for donations to the Wounded Warriors Fund. Let me say first that I support these American Heroes completely. That they volunteered to serve and sacrifice their health and well-being to protect their fellow warfighters and our nation is one of the best examples of America. But that we need a wounded warriors organization to take care of them— that, in my opinion is one of the worst things about America. 

The approximate annual budget of Wounded Warriors is about 1/5th of a single aircraft carrier. Or about the cost of (2) F35s.  For the cost of two combat aircraft, the veterans administration could take care of the needs of these American Heroes. And they would not be dependent on the kindness of strangers. And, truly, they should not have to be. The issue of their long term care and support should be a source of national and government pride and one of our sincerest duties and obligations as a nation.

It reminds me way too much of firefighters after 9/11, who had to engage in an epic political battle for years to get the costs of their care funded. How is this right?  How can any politician be happy when we leave so many who sacrifice so much to struggle, wonder, and suffer through even a moment’s worry about who will take care of them and for how much?

I guess its the way these days. Bake sales for kids to have supplies for schools; tv commercials to beg for help for veterans. 

Where are our priorities as a nation.  Where are our priorities as humans?  

Time for a Return

Wow.  What a year.  Between politics and Covid-19, failures in the relationship between law enforcement and communities, economic calamity for far too many, and the underlying sense that America’s fabric is torn, we now come to the time of year reserved for joyous celebrations of family and friends. The time for trees and tinsel and bells and lights.  

Somehow though it all feels a bit different doesn’t it?  The air does not seem to support the carols and the lists bound for the North Pole. The commercials where people give each other bow adorned luxury cars seem particularly tone-dead when so many have been lost and so many more struggle for breath or food. 

But maybe that is what is about. Thanksgiving seems to mean more when have reason to be grateful for the basics. The religious holidays ring more true when we can identify more completely with the possibility of a new birth and, ultimately, a resurrection. The simple act of gratitude takes on a new meaning when the events of this year have so clearly reminded us of just what our lives are for and what they are worth.  

Maybe even the purpose of our nation can be illuminated by the trials of our current political season. What was this country founded to be?  When have we been at our best, or our worst. And what role does each of us have to play in writing and living the answers today— for our time and those to come? 

So here we all are. Together whether we want to be or not. Facing Covid-Christmas 2020 and so many other difficult challenges right along beside.  It is going to be hard and it may not be easier for awhile. But I do think there is cause for hope, maybe even celebration in ohr collective ability to know love and hope. To acknowledge our shared history even though we do not have a shared perspective. To accept the gift of still being here.  

In November 2020, that is no small gift at all.