Building a Barn

The last months of Ernest Hemingway's life were not fun. This iconic writer was suffering from unrelenting physical and mental deterioration that contributed to equally damaging bouts of paranoia. He became suicidal. After several unsuccessful attempts, Hemingway finally succeeded in killing himself in June, 1961. Hemingway's death happened despite efforts by those closest to him at the time to prevent him from doing harm to himself. I mention the demise of this literary giant because it parallels much of the stagnation that has befallen the U.S. Congress. Let me explain.

Hemingway had made up his mind that he was going to end his life. Those around him were aware of his state of mind and sought to prevent this from happening. Despite their best intentions, Hemingway did himself the ultimate harm. One lesson I draw from this is if a person is determined to do damage, then they will succeed. Former President Lyndon Johnson put it more succinctly: "Any jackass can kick over a barn........." The problem with Congress that we as citizens are witnessing these days is that there are too many jackasses intent on doing harm than ones dedicated to being constructive. As it was with Hemingway, they are determined to stop meaningful work from moving forward on a range of issues that are vital to the strength of our country and our world.

Their determination is nullifying any efforts from builders to communicate with them. The result is little if anything of substance is getting done and, in the end, we are all losing. Communication, no matter how well intentioned, thought-out or executed, is not always successful, particularly if those on the receiving end do not wish to hear. Communication is a two-way endeavor. The state of affairs with our US Congress these days is that only one-way communication is being conducted. By definition, that means there is only talking-at going on but not any talking-with. So, the logical question becomes: what can be done about? A new strategy that has not yet been tried - though it has been talked about - is for those in the majority to begin doing what they feel is necessary to address the issues of our day. My sense is those not wishing to listen will change their own non-communication strategy and begin wanting to be part of the barn building.