Common Good: A Thing of the Past?

It is been hard for me to contemplate that our world's grasp of the common good may be trending downward. Even in Europe where their national ethos is more grounded in the common good, there are signs that the fiscal realities are forcing nations to ratchet down their system. In our nation, the individual has a history of priority since its foundation. However, over time, we did develop programs that were designed to help all at the expense of some.

In the past year, hopes that our better selves would emerge with the election of Obama have floundered badly. Hopes that we would see the national benefits to universal healthcare have been frustrated because so many see that "their" benefits would decrease in order to support access for all.

Today's column by Roger Cohen captures a glimpse of what is needed. Our world could be so much better, safer, productive, if we could see that helping all benefits all.

"Sarah's Key" & "Those Who Saved Us"

While enjoying a vacation in Jamaica, we read many books. Two of them were really great novels, but horribly sad.

Both novels deal with World War II.

"Sarah's Key" is a story of a young Jewish girl living in Paris who is rounded up with all the Jewish people into the Velodrome d'Hiver. From here, the French police eventually lead them ultimately to the deaths of most. The young ten year old girl escapes from the Camp where they were brought and eventually was protected by an elderly couple who responded appropriately to the needs of a young girl. Her struggle to use her "key" to rescue her brother who she hid in their house leads to an journey that is sad beyond words.

"Those Who Saved Us" zeroes in on Germany and the plight of the Germans forced to deal with their government's ill-conceived vision of itself.

We shiver when thinking of how Jews were treated (unfortunately, neither is anti-Semitism dead or other types of gross discrimination) and the terrible pain suffered by so many. These novels present another insight into that pain and suffering that makes anyone wonder how it is possible for humans to treat others so badly.

"Black Mass" by John Gray

I do not know whether reading this book when I was much younger (purely a hypothetical since the book was only written in 2007) would have seriously altered by thinking and possibly, my life's journey. But , I do know that this book punctured even more whatever optimistic and liberal vision of the world I had.

In summary, this scholar attacked any system of thought that envisions a world order that will work for everyone and every place. For instance, I recognize that the United Nations has multiple flaws, but I have voiced a system that would incorporate supportive interdependency. I would like to think that the world could live in peace, knowing full well that alternatives are self-defeating. There are many other examples, not the least of which was my hope that Obama would enable our government to function for the benefit of the people.

John Gray argues that such visions are virtually crazy (not his word). He would consider Obama's pragmatic approach to government as the only rational method to deal with circumstances that present themselves in somewhat random order. Rather than reaching for an ideal, the reality is that the realities confronting any nation can only be addressed within a vagaries of the moment, e.g., our dysfunctional Congress.

It was not a happy book to read, but it will make me reconsider the possible as fantasies that deserve less of my time.

Jamaica, We Thank You!

If Joan Louise was not so involved in caring for grandchildren or working as a nurse practitioner, she could become such a successful travel agent! Her planning for our winter vacation was perfect!

It is hard to do justice to our good fortune. To think that after nearly 41 years of marriage, such wonderful children (including our children-in-law), and beautiful grandchildren, we can still find an opportunity to spend some quality time by ourselves in such a beautiful place with wonderful and kind people.

While it was our first time to Jamaica, it takes but a moment to feel bonded with those you meet, whether visitors and citizens. Everyone was so friendly. The weather was beautiful (low 80's), the water was warm but refreshing, the books read were delightful (if somewhat sad by virtue of the contents), and our ability to navigate a path to some great Jerk Chicken made our vacation most memorable.