Let's Build Something Better

There are a number of old adages that we use to describe how we feel about a lot of things that occur from time to time.  These adages are helpful in and during times when it is hard to put words to paper and thoughts into action.  In so many ways adages gives us an opportunity to express some of our deepest emotions while at the same time gives us pause to help put the situation into perspective.  An adage in other words gives us a break and helps to provide a context in which to frame the situation at hand.    
  
Some of the most used adages, some you have heard before and perhaps have used include, “the show must go on.” What about, “you can push people just so far.”  How about, “you get what you pay for,” or “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  And of course the one used during the Wall Street bailout, “To big to fail.” And here is one of my all-time favorites, “there is no such thing as a free lunch.”  Well you get the picture. 

There is nothing like it when an adage is used to describe a situation or to call attention to something that is affecting us.  Most people when hearing one begin instantly to analyze the adage to see if it fits the situation and if not may offer up one of their own.  What most people do not realize is that an adage is a form of oral communication, a proverb, or saying that perhaps fits the moment.  Many of these adages are passed down from one generation to another and are better known as folk wisdom.  And over time have gained credibility in the life experiences of people and communities. 


Of course I want to add to the great list of notable adages with, “Let’s Build Something Better.”  Well, I know it may not mean anything to you and may not become a top ten nominee or become the title of a movie that wins an Oscar at the Academy Awards for having the most diverse cast in modern history, but this is a really big deal.  It appears that so much is going on in the world these days and so much money if being spend on things that benefit only a few, while many of our major cities are in ruin, high rates of poverty, poor living conditions, sky rocketing unemployment in urban cities, high rates of incarceration of people of color, inadequate social support systems, out of sight and out of mind gun violence, etc., etc., etc.  And if you are seeing what I am seeing, there has to be a better way to solve our issues... and what about “if we build it, they will come.”  What do you think?