One and Only Observer

Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.

This philosophy resonated in my mid-twenties when I first heard it. I’ve used it ever since, whenever I want to accomplish something.

Hopefully, my sons can use this versatile tool to reach their own goals.

You have to make a living. You have to get somewhere. You’re never as experienced as you will be after decades of failure and success, but you can’t wait until then. So you do your best, using what you have. Over the decades, I’ve accomplished tasks great and small, using what I had.

I’ve built decks, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, installed doors and toilets, and refinished floors. I’m a self-employed contractor. I used to paint wooden houses each summer. Some projects were huge and I didn’t feel confident, but I took them on because I had to provide for my family, so I swallowed nervously, and began, doing my best each day.

Now, I’m writing essays. It’s something I can do.  

Our fragile blue marble is important. Transitioning to renewable energy is a priority for me because I care about my sons’ lives and their future children. Worsening storms, heat, and floods are a clear danger to my descendants. It’s not theoretical. Neither are tornados, triple-digit temperatures, nor assault weapons.

I see a big red train charging toward a cliff, while its flag-waving passengers shout, “Revolution!” and “Civil war!” brandishing assault rifles. What can be done?

It’s daunting. I try to convey to my sons the importance of voting blue in this coming election and my twenty-year-old is leaning toward the red hat and long red tie brigade while my older son seems apathetic.

A need for responsible governance, the worsening climate crisis, and a serious threat to civility are all on the ballot this November. I hope one other adult besides me in this big American room casts their ballot for the blue side this time around.

Please vote blue across the board. More American adults don’t have the current form of rabies going around. If we say “No,” then the extreme candidates conducting the train toward the cliff will be culled from the political herd.

Rejection of the madness might help.

Vote.