A compass is an interesting thing. It will always tell you where true north is. People, on the other hand, will always tell you where their north is. And that's how we sometimes lose our way...!
In a free society we're all free to aim our arguments in whatever direction we believe (or, in the case of managers, in whatever direction they're paid to believe). Yet with all these compasses pointing to different norths, a society's collective journey can grow troublesome. If only we had some benevolent old top sergeant to straighten us recruits out, and guide us to where we need to be.
However, free societies don't want top sergeants (AKA, dictators). The platoon handbook says when troops are free, they need to freely argue things out. Such is the better way to reach camp before nightfall. And what do you know -- every we-the-people movie and on-the-road documentary says the same thing. From our very first American documentarian, Alex Tocqueville in 1835, this work-it-out-among-ourselves doctrine has been honored.
In truth, the doctrine has brought us a long long way. The camp we've reached may not be everyone's choice, but by and large our trip has been a successful one. Trouble is, success is a moving target, and so here we are in a new century with new compasses to reconcile. Some of the very same arrows on the trail are being read by us in some very disputatious ways. What's long-deferred progress to some of us, is dangerous retreat to others.
Pick any arrow out there you wish -- abortion rights, gay rights, marijuana rights; inoculation, interrogation, immigration -- they all point in different ways along our trail. One citizen's "at last!" is another's "Oh no!" One traveller's "Yes we can!" is another's "No, we shouldn't!"
History has produced a great many top sergeants. From an Alexander and a Caesar to a Machiavelli and a Napoleon. In looking back, what each of them built no longer exists. We're still here. That has to say something!
But then that brings us back to what each of our compasses are telling us is true north.....
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Pick any arrow out there you wish -- abortion rights, gay rights, marijuana rights; inoculation, interrogation, immigration -- they all point in different ways along our trail. One citizen's "at last!" is another's "Oh no!" One traveller's "Yes we can!" is another's "No, we shouldn't!"
ReplyDeleteI like this paragraph.
I choose HUMAN rights!
And I wish the Glenn Becks, Hannitys and Limbaughs to just go away and the "YES WE CANS" to take over....I know only futile daydreaming!
Ahh but daydreaming is not always "futile." Some of the best things in life start with daydreaming under a summer oak tree. And here we are, almost in summer!
ReplyDeletePicky, Picky! A compass points to MAGNETIC north, not "True" north. True north must take into consideration "Variation" (has to do with where on earth one is) and if one is on a boat, Deviation must also be considered. I would be happy to lecture on the subject. I don't charge much!
ReplyDeleteJerry
Damn, Jerry you're nailing me with maps when I am using metaphors! But you're right of course. Only you're messing up my metaphor. I suspect your geographic skills extend much farther than mine do, for mine ended with my 8th grade Boy Scout camping trip in 1945. You know, back when magnetic north was precisely the same as true north -- at least in MY patrol!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry Jack, that was the maritime part of me oozing. Should have appreciated the metaphors although my "pick" (football for interception)requires less thought. EEK!
ReplyDeleteJerry, when it comes to maritime skills, I have absolutely none to report. Now that I think of it, the closest I ever came to water in that Boy Scout camp was the day they threw me in the lake. My only skill was dog paddling back to shore. Not a terribly impressive record!
ReplyDeleteBetter than mine Jack. When they threw me in that same lake, I nearly drowned. That is when I learned some respect (for my rescuers).
ReplyDelete