A deepening divide

To the Editors,

How is it possible for some to afford material excess, while others struggle to provide basic necessities for themselves and their families? It’s an evident juxtaposition; one can see it right here in our own beautiful community. Exclusive subdivisions overlooking deteriorating trailer parks are a common sight around Durango. Contrast three, four, five thousand square foot vacation homes, sometimes only temporarily occupied, with the two bedroom mobile homes shared by a dozen or more people. In these complicated times, folks are finding themselves on one side or the other of an ever deepening divide between wealth and poverty.

Kudos to the local press for reporting on poverty in our area. It’s important that we’re aware of the plight of those who find themselves struggling. Perhaps we can determine the causes and respond appropriately. The chasm separating ideologies also seems to be more pronounced. The same metaphor could be applied to cultures, religions, racial groups, neighborhoods or political viewpoints. Here are some thoughts and impressions, based on my years as a local resident and as a witness to conditions endured by peoples from other lands. My job has taken me to 33 countries on 6 continents, where I’ve had the opportunity to see the contrasts between rich and poor.

The root causes of economic inequalities are found in the laws of nature. Ours it not the only life form where dominance determines social structure. All rely on genetics, however. With the help of exceptional (or perhaps cursed) human abilities like reasoned thought, our species has climbed to the top of the food chain. All things, living or otherwise, must subordinate to our needs and desires. Damage has been done to our environment as a consequence. We separate ourselves from the natural world, somehow believing we can control it. Instant access to reports of natural catastrophes should remind us otherwise. In nature, species propagate and their colonies thrive as long as conditions are favorable. Once they exhaust the resources needed for growth, they either maintain a sustainable population, or decline. Severe depletion of resources or catastrophe results in a species’ extinction. Humans are not immune. It may be a simplistic viewpoint, but I suspect that we have arrivedat the brink. If we’re unable, or unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary to attain a sustainable balance, we should expect our species to decline.

Humanity’s gravest problem is its overly successfulreign as the dominant species. We’ve largely eliminated our natural predators like serpents and large carnivores. Human population has increased exponentially, reducing and eliminating habitats in its wake. Our biggest threat now is looking at us in the mirror. There are too many of us! The resulting strain on resources has led to inevitable strife. The overlap of cultures and theologies has historically led to war, and continues today to escalate. Are we defending ourselves while spreading freedom and democracy, or could it be control of dwindling resources that’s led to this perpetual state of violent struggle?  

How often are policy decisions based on growing the economy, at the expense of all else? First world cultures and societies use a large percentage of resources while cultures less developed have a notable impact based on numbers. We don’t make the connection between inexpensive products in our markets, and horrific work conditions and environmental degradations in other countries. A convincing argument could be made that these conditions also exist in our country. These same conditions sometimes result in the illegal immigration of the poorly paid and maltreated to an imagined better life in the US. What a surprise when they arrive (if they make it) to find their image of the “American Dream” rarely resembles the reality.

Birthright and its associated access to inheritance, social infrastructure and educational opportunities play important roles in the division of wealth. Sometimes, our regarded educational systems are guilty of convincing us of our privileged position in the world, causing us to distrust or disdain those from other nations. We all are guilty, at some level, of fearing, prejudging or dismissing what we don’t know or understand.

Admittedly, I possess no impressive title or university degree to legitimize the opinions shared here, only a lifetime of interested observation. The few humble ideas offered are in hope that we, the human tribe, can proceed toward our inevitable destiny (?) as compassionately as possible. No disrespect toward other personal, cultural or religious beliefs is intended.

Let’s re-learn the meaning of the word, “enough.” We’re conditioned to want more, newer, prettier or just different. There’s no room for “enough” in our economic system. We’re bombarded with reminders of how much happier we’ll be if we buy this or that new product. Or how much more attractive we’ll be if we acquire this cosmetic or have that surgery. Our health issues will miraculously disappear, if we’ll only take this little pill….  “Get out and spend, it’s good for the economy!” We’ll discard the old, to make room for the new. Please forgive the sarcasm. Somehow, the rat race to consume and collect and adorn has rendered the word “enough” to the landfill along with the rest of the unrepairable, obsolete, plastic junk we accumulate. Enough cars already, enough gadgets, enough trophy houses, enough waste! Enough greed, ignorance, intolerance and hate! Not enough sharing… Of ideas, of knowledge, wisdom, respect, friendship and culture.

The necessities of life can be whittled down to a short list. Those who have the items on this list have “enough” to help fill in the void created by the deepening divide. Here’s my top 10: clean air; clean water; nutritious food; clothing; shelter; faith; hope; respect; health care, although the need would be reduced if the other ingredients were available; and that leaves only our most critical necessity ... LOVE.    

– Love Enough, Bob Gregorio, Durango

Sick thrills

Dear Editors:

In reference to the snowboarder who slammed into the skier, maybe it’s time to regulate snowboarders’ disregard for the people in front of them. Skiers and snowboarders both need to get speed to make it to chair 3, so that’s no excuse. The code says the person in front has the right of way.

I ski with my Down syndrome daughter and try to stay behind her to block the snowboarders who come too close to her when the mountain is wide open. There is no need to whiz by so close except for the sick thrill of scaring someone or being out of control, in which case they need to slow down. If that had been my daughter who got smashed and broken up, I would have seriously considered doing much more than smack her with my pole. The man did nothing wrong. Charges need to be brought against the snowboarder. She broke the skier’s code.

– Poppy Harshman, Mayday

A special place to play

To the Editors:

The Durango Community Recreation Center Staff sends a big thanks to our wonderful community for making the Recreation Center’s 10th Year Celebration on Jan. 5 so successful.

Recreation Center pass holders received a free sweat towel donated by FCI Constructors, and the designer of the facility, Barker, Rinker Seacat Architecture, provided sport bags to the most frequent users of the Recreation Center. Wal-Mart generously donated the delicious cake, ice cream, lemonade and refreshments that everyone enjoyed in the evening. Throughout the day, Recreation Center users received free giveaways made possible by Advanced Exercise Equipment, Mountain Bike Specialists and the United States Army.

Also, a big thank you to Dena Morrissey, who donated her time and expertise for free racquetball clinics, and to Jon Schuetz, who helped secure the donation from Wal-Mart.

Thank you to all the Recreation Center patrons. You truly make the Rec Center a special place to play everyday.

– Thanks, Kelli Jaycox, recreation manager, and the Parks and Recreation Staff