Rushing with the current of disfunction, our recidivous leadership acts with urgency to risk our demise. It has long been said that a budget is a statement of values. Coupled with administrative actions that have decimated institutions of merit; What values do we now hold as guiding principles?

The yoke of crushing debt has been placed on the shoulders of our children and our children’s children. Institutions that were constructed as a bulwark against the weight of life’s challenges have been undermined. An architecture of madness is being constructed in their stead which rests on foundations of weakness and self-interest that will spall and crumble under the burden of its cruelty. The privileged class will be privileged anew while the para-military is turned inward to scour the land in an effort to eject those who didn’t seek permission to join us in our work.

History has many lessons to be taken of civilizations that passed down similar roads. Cruelty hardens the heart and invites indifference in our time of need. The accoutrements of power fray and tarnish with the rising sun and dissipate with the realization of many who have been so poorly served. The only lasting power is in and among.

Empathy, respect, and collaboration take courage and determination in leadership, but it is the better road – although one too often less travelled.

*****

Kevin Deeny