Re-connecting with our Neighbors
Being involved is critical to growth of strong communities

When the rockets’ red glare of the Iraqi War finally subsided, it was hardly surprising that America’s “TV Nation” returned to its steady diet of “American Idol” and “Survivor.” Far more of us are willing to huddle around the tube to see if Reuben wins a talent contest than are interested in watching a series called “City and Nation Building 101.”

And yet, what is transpiring in post-war Baghdad and other Iraqi cities is a fascinating example of why no one is immune from complacency’s dangers – including comfortable, mainstream America. Without cities that seek dynamic solutions and citizens who are actively involved, you get rust at best, chaos at worst.

The scene in Baghdad in recent weeks is an extreme example of a cautionary tale: water no longer flowing, electricity out, ambulances failing to run, and people looting their own museums and pillaging their land. It is, in short, a complete breakdown of citizenship.

Citizenship. The word itself is having a comeback – invoked heavily following the nightmare of 9/11 and still in vogue at countless flag-waving events. That’s clearly a good thing, but why is it that we’ve taken the word out of dusty civic books and returned it to a place of prominence in our hearts and minds?

Perhaps the simple answer is that we are not even sure ourselves. Perhaps it is simply a longing deep inside to restore a sense of safety, gathering together with others who generally act like us and share our values. That’s a perfectly natural response – although I suspect that prior to 9/11 we had largely suppressed the citizenship urge.

After all, most of America’s history has been marked by “We the People” convincing ourselves that we were instead free agents with no need for other people or for place – except for a tiny corner that we could wall off and call our own. We were the solitary cowboy, the self-actualizing cowgirl, the rugged individualist. We forgot that we were also supposed to be neighbors.

I suspect it’s high time we remember. Given the life-altering events of 9/11 – not to mention the serious challenges in areas such as decent jobs, healthcare, business scandals and non-responsive government – I also believe that most people are yearning to regain that sense of neighbor helping neighbor, of being able to make a difference.

I had a conversation with a friend recently that still resonates. We were talking about the governor’s race in Kentucky and I mentioned how one newspaper rejected a candidate by calling him “a better neighbor than governor.” My friend, who is to politics what water is to oil, paused thoughtfully and then said: “Well, maybe I’m ready for a neighbor to be governor.”

Implicit in that answer, of course, is the notion that a neighbor just might be better than most of our offerings for elected office today – a neighbor who understands your problems, shares your concerns, and helps to build a better neighborhood.

The more I think about it, the idea of good neighbors and strong neighborhoods reflects what citizenship and vibrant cities are all about. To thrive, there needs to be a re-focus on the connection between people that is at the heart of all worthy endeavor. It’s time that we seek out the “missing in action” – those who’ve felt disenfranchised or disinterested or, worst, disgusted with civic life. With 60 percent or more people who don’t bother to vote, it’s time to take a long hard look at how we can re-establish citizenship as not a remote concept but a dynamic commitment.

Feeling connected, and committed, is essential if we are to thrive as a democracy and grow as a community. With a new appreciation for the responsibilities of citizenship and the rewards such active involvement can bring, we can build strong and vibrant neighborhoods, be they a city block or an entire metropolitan area.

But there’s much to be done. Pogo was right: We’ve met the enemy and it is us. To reverse this disturbing trend, we believe that the disaffected must regain their sense of responsibility and belonging. You begin, we think, by restoring a sense of hope and committing to a vision that people don’t just matter, they make the critical difference.

Now that’s an American idol worth restoring.

Sylvia L. Lovely is executive director and CEO of the Kentucky League of Cities.
editorial@lanereport.com

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