The recent debate (June 27 between Biden and Trump) is a reminder that the nation is so sharply divided as to put our democracy on a knife’s the edge and at risk of being lost.
When we think of how our social contact was made and how it is preserved, we usually look to the institutions at each end of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC, where laws are made and interpreted. But those who vie for the Presidency and those who seek seats in the House or Senate are unable find the common ground and compromise necessary to answer the needs of the nation. Many find nothing but chaos there.
At the state Assembly and Senate seismic faults begin to show. Much of the election rhetoric is name calling. the majorities in those bodies give little heed to the views of the minority. Our confidence in democracy at the state level begins to falter.
With rare exception the contests for our Mayor and City Council members are based in fact and are civil. The elections are too close to home to permit fraud and the outcomes are trusted. The winners recognize that their victories are the result of community compromise, that their loyalties are to public and not just to those who voted for them. But they give their attention to loftier matters than our daytoday concerns.
Reliance on our federal, state and local governments fails to recognize the very basis of and the importance of our democratic republic. As has been said on many occasions, “All politics is local” and this is where we must look to understand the perseverance of democracy.
Challenges remain for local communities
There are many challenges to our local communities.
We cannot look to anyone other than ourselves to address them. Our neighborhoods begin the search for solutions through our Town Councils, Recreation Center Advisory Groups, Community Planning Groups, Friends of the Library, Community Gardens, Food Pantries, Optimist, Kiwanis, and Parent Teacher Associations to name a few of the forums at which we meet, discuss, and define the issues presented. With a series of compromises we decide on the priorities and the action to be taken.
That was the long, slow curve. Time for the fast break. The salvation of our democracy begins with your participation in our community organizations. This is where democracy begins and this is where democracy is preserved.
You are needed. Join today. Your opportunity to do so begins at the “Contact Us” page website the of the Allied Gardens/Grantville Community Council. www.aggcouncil.org
Following are some community events just around the corner:
I Love a Clean San Diego will hold a Downtown San Diego cleanup on July 13. The link to more information and how to register for the event es https://cleansd.samaritan.com/custom/501/opp_details/3366.
The 40el Coastal Cleanup Day will be on Sept. 21.
At the Benjamin Library:
July 13 at 12:30 p.m. Dolphin Care
July 18 at 10:30 a.m. Yoga Storytime with Ms. Aryn
July 24 at 10:30 a.m. Sing Along with Ms. Marai
July 29 at 3 p.m. Harry Potter Birthday Party
July 13 between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Allied Community Gardens a garden themed time centered on bees for stories, crafts, games, and music.
July 17 at 6 p.m. at the San Carlos Library the Navajo Town Council will hold an introductory meeting. The discussion will center on the common issues facing the communities of Allied Gardens, Grantville, San Carlos, and Del Cerro.
Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. the Allied Gardens/Grantville Community Council will meet inperson at Benjamin Library and remotely by Zoom to continue the discussion we began at meeting on June 3.
As a refresher on where we started that evening here is the link to the recording of that meeting.
CAPTION TOP PHOTO: Members of Gemstone Gymnastics performance team in front of the Station 31 fire truck during last Thursday’s community holiday parade. (Foto de cortesía)
