jackiedoherty.org

When I think about different philosophical approaches to life, I tend to revert to clichés. Whether you see life as a “dog eat dog world” or one in which “we’re all in this boat together,” it greatly impacts your social and political beliefs and actions. As for me, I see us all in the boat together. My success, and the success of my children, is intimately connected with my neighbors; by neighbors, I don’t simply mean the people who live on my street. We can’t ever be truly successful if too many others are desperate. Ten years ago, I met a wealthy Brazilian mother whose son had stayed with us as an exchange student. As I drove her around the Highlands, she was struck by how open our residences were, without walls, attack dogs, or fences protecting our homes from the streets. She told me that in Sao Paulo, they had bars on their ninth floor windows because of the severe crime and poverty. I remember feeling sorry for her. It seemed difficult to enjoy what you have with all that fear. Yet, I think we’re heading that way in this country as the middle class shrinks and more and more people find it difficult to earn a livable wage, own a home, and provide for their children. Perhaps you’re thinking I’m one of the “loony left” we hear about on local talk radio (maybe I am), but to me, it is more than being soft-hearted or fair-minded—ultimately, it is self-centered. It all goes back to that basic philosophy: since we are in this boat together, my children will not succeed if yours don’t have an equal opportunity to do so.