All God’s critters got a place in the choir Some sing low, some sing higher Some sing out loud on the telephone wire Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now. --Bill Staines
Thanks for sharing this Mary Ellen. Amid the current chaos and trampling on the rule of law, it was nice to "hear" your measured voice. As an aside, Point Reyes will always have a special place in my heart - my first date with my wife of nearly 52 years.
Sadly, no. Although I loved the concept, completed facilitator training, and was part of a western NC planning group, we had difficulty attracting reds (in their model of reds/blues), so the discussions tended to be echo chambers.
Steve, I’m so sorry to hear that, but not entirely surprised, as I know Braver Angels has had trouble attracting “reds” nationwide. The Braver Angels “Depolarizing Within” workshop was very helpful for me. Personally I feel I can keep doing that-- working on myself, and encouraging folks closer to me on the political spectrum to bring down the temperature of stereotyping and polarization.
Steve, thank you! I'm so glad we are connecting through this little corner of Substack, and that my essay was an encouragement for you. I love the Point Reyes connection-- another personal memory to remind us we are all part of a wonderful web of life.
We visited Pointe Reyes when our kids were little. What an awesome place! Just like us here near the Great Smokies NP, I'm sure the economic impact of staff reductions has ripple effects across the community. These places of natural beauty attract tourists and local economies depend on them. When the number of park employees are reduced, the facilities at the park are reduced because they can't be maintained. The people visiting the park have fewer options so they don't stay as long. The ripples are felt at area businesses. There is also the impact of unemployed park staff.
Thanks for writing about this topic. It is important to stay motivated for this fight.
I love this, Mary Ellen. Your witnessing helps see the stakes; your encouragement is an inspiration. Looking forward to reading more. Lots of good ideas too. Thank you.
Thanks for adding to the conversation about these important connections, Randi! I was thinking about you as I posted this essay. The health of our human communities is so tied to the health of the natural environment. We live it every day here in WNC, don't we?
Thanks for a small break in a sometimes dark and crazy world.
Karen, I’m so glad the post felt that way to you! That’s my hope. We’re in this together!
Thanks for sharing this Mary Ellen. Amid the current chaos and trampling on the rule of law, it was nice to "hear" your measured voice. As an aside, Point Reyes will always have a special place in my heart - my first date with my wife of nearly 52 years.
BTW Steve, I am spreading the word about Braver Angels WNC. Such important work! Are you still involved?
Sadly, no. Although I loved the concept, completed facilitator training, and was part of a western NC planning group, we had difficulty attracting reds (in their model of reds/blues), so the discussions tended to be echo chambers.
Steve, I’m so sorry to hear that, but not entirely surprised, as I know Braver Angels has had trouble attracting “reds” nationwide. The Braver Angels “Depolarizing Within” workshop was very helpful for me. Personally I feel I can keep doing that-- working on myself, and encouraging folks closer to me on the political spectrum to bring down the temperature of stereotyping and polarization.
Steve, thank you! I'm so glad we are connecting through this little corner of Substack, and that my essay was an encouragement for you. I love the Point Reyes connection-- another personal memory to remind us we are all part of a wonderful web of life.
We visited Pointe Reyes when our kids were little. What an awesome place! Just like us here near the Great Smokies NP, I'm sure the economic impact of staff reductions has ripple effects across the community. These places of natural beauty attract tourists and local economies depend on them. When the number of park employees are reduced, the facilities at the park are reduced because they can't be maintained. The people visiting the park have fewer options so they don't stay as long. The ripples are felt at area businesses. There is also the impact of unemployed park staff.
Thanks for writing about this topic. It is important to stay motivated for this fight.
I love this, Mary Ellen. Your witnessing helps see the stakes; your encouragement is an inspiration. Looking forward to reading more. Lots of good ideas too. Thank you.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Thanks for adding to the conversation about these important connections, Randi! I was thinking about you as I posted this essay. The health of our human communities is so tied to the health of the natural environment. We live it every day here in WNC, don't we?