The behavior of some elected in the fall election is alarmingly close to that of the Masked Crusader. It especially reminds me of those episodes where the maligned rancher pleaded to be left alone to deal with the scoundrel of an oil magnate on his own.
Right and wrong were absolute – at least that’s how the storylines played out for Tonto and The Lone Ranger. Truth be told, that was what we were taught then; an action was either right or it was wrong. I am not suggesting there isn’t absolute right or wrong any longer. However, I do believe there are more situations today where what’s wrong for some can be absolutely right for others, without being morally wrong.
There are a variety of issues being played out this way on the local, regional and national level. For purposes of this op-ed, let’s look at two that are front and center right here in Southwest Washington: light rail as a component of the Columbia River Crossing; and the right to bear arms as protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution.
Light rail is only one aspect of the Columbia River Crossing project that has divided the community into galvanized camps of opponents and proponents. The gun rights issue has proven to be equally as polarizing.
(Enter current day Lone Rangers)
Clearly, we have townspeople who believe light rail is a boondoggle and wrong for our community. They believe the not-so-masked crusaders have arrived just in time to put a stop to that evil breeding light rail from coming north across the river.
Most agree that personal safety is something that must be ensured. However, some townspeople believe more restrictions on gun ownership is the way to do it, while others believe arming ourselves and our classroom teachers is the only way we can truly be safe.
Both issues have their Lone Rangers trying to save the day. Neither group believes discussing possible solutions with those who disagree with them could lead to anything positive.
Fighting these so-called absolutes of right and wrong is not the solution our community needs. We need crusaders who can bring the community together, not those who seek to conquer and vanquish those with a different viewpoint.
When both the crusaders and “villains” can declare victory, we begin to approach a win-all-you-can community.
If, at the expense of those with different needs or concerns, we are only focused on whether our side or our team wins, the community loses. Instead, we must find outcomes that allow the entire community to prevail.
{jathumbnail off}
