What If... Everyone... Did Something...

By Sid Chadwick, Chadwick Consulting, Inc. – 05/16/2024Published in American Printer : “Sid's article stresses the importance of individual and collective action, using the example of a commercial printing company as a catalyst for positive change in the community. It highlights the need for active engagement in addressing local issues. Read his insights to inspire change in a world craving accountability.”

“Sid…. ‘Still enjoy your newsy & inspiring emails… Mary & I are increasingly involved in our community with Refuge Resettlement efforts. So far 4 Syrian & 3 Ukrainian families ... 30 folks deliriously grateful to be out of their Civil War (though many relatives still there!) and enjoying freedom in USA along with the opportunities to earn a living for their families in this country of FREEDOM. Best regards, Clint….” ….C. Clint Bolte, Respected Industry Consultant

INTRODUCTION:

What do we do with our time…?

What could we do with our time…?

My awareness is that we are on a slow but hopeful path to regain values we once honored – automatically – as a country – as a culture.

 We see this now at universities, as Boards are changing their budgets – from protecting programs that supported teaching diversity, equity and inclusion – that seem to have become instead – divisiveness,  exclusion, and indoctrination – to increased campus law enforcement and safety – for the laws “on the books – that were not supported – and enforced.”

We see this as students carrying guns and ammunition to middle and senior high schools, placed in juvenile detention, with $100,000+ bonds, and parents are charged with responsibility for their children’s violations and assaults on innocent victims, whose lives and families were changed – forever.

We see this in political arenas, as rejection of vicious “weaponization of our judicial system” – has slow but growing accountability, as we work to regain our sense of mutual respect and decency – for our system of democracy.

In effect, none of us can continue to allow or expect – someone else to solve local problems.

SUMMARY:

Clint Bolte’s informative note – was a wake-up call for me, personally.

We generally are safe in our homes, or should be – because of sacrifices and commitments – of others – many of whom went before us.

A commercial printing company represents the crossroads of a community, and can have profound influence – for good.

It’s our turn – at the front of the line.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something, and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” ………Edward Everett Hale, American Author, Historian, and Unitarian Minister