One this night of all nights. This is the night that my abstract ideals clash with the way I actually live. National Night Out. I love the idea of it- a community coming together; building relationships that strengthen the city. But, in reality, I can't bring myself to go. Tonight, as I was getting a massage, I was thinking about why. 2 years ago my excuse was that I would be annoyed by the moment of silence because of the recent bridge collapse. Tonight I realized that it's because the topics of discussion are unlimited. If people would promise to only talk about flowers in their gardens, pop culture, the weather, and their kids or pets, I could stomach it for one night. Even though I hate small talk, I would suck it up for one night.
What I can't handle is people talking about important topics about which they are uninformed or ill-informed. Like, I don't want to hear about how great the Crash for Clunkers Program is because some jackass traded in his 1996 Expedition for a 2009Honda and got $4,500. Right, because a band aid always helps severed limbs. Because paying jackasses $4,500 is a great substitute for the complete overhaul and reprioritization that this economy needs. And maybe the billions this program is going to cost could be the beginnings of a program we fund to make sure that people have health care. Even poor people. Even immigrants.
You know, just for example.
This is how I would end up alienating myself from my neighbors at a block party.
And then they would not share their gardening tips with me when we cross paths on walks or as Johan plays teeball in the yard.
And this is why I don't go to block parties.
5 comments:
Weird, since we usually agree about most things- I think Cash for Clunkers is one of the smartest uses of money in a long time (even if not the most perfectly realized.) And I'd much prefer that money going to get people into more efficient cars while also helping the auto industry than just handing the automakers the cash like we have been. Also, this politically possible right now, which universal health care doesn't seem to be... and is a drop in the bucket compared to those two wars we're still fighting. Remember? So,to recap, if I were at your block party, I'd be cool with Cash for Clunker but would alienate myself by talking about ending the wars and redistributing wealth. To each her own.
here's my main problem with the program: energy. If people are turning in cars and cars are being taken off the road with plenty of life left in them, that's a waste of energy. And it expends even more energy to create and manufacture and ship new cars, even if those cars are more energy efficient. I just can't see how it's a net positive environmental effect. And, I don't like how it excludes and/or punishes people who have cared and done the right thing all along.
also, don't worry. i'm not going to block you just because we disagree on this. i won't do that unless you start posting my criminal records or putting my house on the market for a shortsale.
That sounds like some crazy communist talk to me...
Also, I didn't go to my neighborhood's Night Out because I didn't have the will to make small talk. Also because I just wanted to watch Superbad and smoke a doobie.
I have a different website for your criminal records and foreclosure info. Everbody! Remove your blinders and get out from under KBLA's tyranny! Head to www.kristinaissuchacrookandgettinbooted.com
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