The younger generation needs to fight for Democracy
My hat is off to all of those that joined in on the No Kings Protest on October 18 in Alpine. There were no altercations, no negativity; it was a positive progressive objective to what Democracy is in our world today, which is in a complicated relationship with our government right now.
We were able to express ourselves under the 1st Amendment, our right to freedom of speech. It was good to see so many old friends out there waving flags calling for justice and expressing their feelings. It was like an old timers’ reunion, and that was when it hit me. Where was the younger generation, where were the people of color? It was like I was in a sea of old white people, a group of hopeful old hippies still looking for justice in our world. Most of us have reached the age where we are fading out. Who is going to take our place? What we are and have always been fighting for is justice and economic balance.
We, the senior citizens, have our future pretty much decided for us, but the younger generation is at peril. Your future depends on what is happening today. I ask, is it because you have been so oppressed that you have given up on where our future lies? Do you feel comfortable enough in your situation to be quiet?
Democracy and the rights of an individual will and have always been fought for or you will lose them. Resist and vote. The greatest weapon for Democracy is our ability to vote. Don’t take it lightly. Do your research. Don’t vote for someone because he or she did. Vote for the person that will do the best for you and the people you love.
David Long
Shafter
La generación más joven necesita luchar por la democracia.
Me quito el sombrero ante todos los que participaron en la protesta “No Kings” el 18 de octubre en Alpine. No hubo altercados ni negatividad; fue un objetivo progresista positivo para lo que es la democracia en nuestro mundo actual, que se encuentra en una relación compleja con nuestro gobierno.
Pudimos expresarnos amparándonos en la Primera Enmienda, nuestro derecho a la libertad de expresión. Fue un placer ver a tantos viejos amigos ondeando banderas, pidiendo justicia y expresando sus sentimientos. Fue como una reunión de veteranos, y fue entonces cuando me di cuenta. ¿Dónde estaba la generación más joven, dónde estaba la gente de color? Era como estar en un mar de ancianos blancos, un grupo de viejos hippies esperanzados que aún buscan justicia en nuestro mundo. La mayoría de nosotros hemos llegado a la edad en que nos estamos desvaneciendo. ¿Quién ocupará nuestro lugar? Por lo que luchamos y siempre hemos luchado es por la justicia y el equilibrio económico.
Nosotros, las personas mayores, tenemos nuestro futuro prácticamente decidido, pero la generación más joven está en peligro. Su futuro depende de lo que suceda hoy. Pregunto: ¿es porque han sido tan oprimidos que se han dado por vencidos respecto a nuestro futuro? ¿Se sienten lo suficientemente cómodos en su situación como para guardar silencio?
La democracia y los derechos individuales siempre se han luchado, o los perderán. Resistan y voten. La mayor arma para la democracia es nuestra capacidad de votar. No lo tomen a la ligera. Investiguen. No voten por alguien solo porque lo hizo. Voten por la persona que hará lo mejor para ustedes y sus seres queridos.
David Long
Shafter
Professional and compassionate care comes to the rescue
Last Thursday evening was perfectly calm and ordinary at our household, until it wasn’t. A sudden onset of low blood pressure resulted in a sinking spell for me, which in turn meant my head abruptly met the bathroom floor. (Spoiler alert: Don’t worry. I’m fine.)
I thought it important to acknowledge the profound kindness of the people in our midst. Our neighbors, Jeannie and Mem Hall, guided Marfa PD Officer Perez to our house. While my husband, Michael Roch, got things organized to go, Officer Perez gently talked to me, blotted the cut to my head and monitored my blood pressure.
Marfa’s ambulance was already out on a call, so Fort Davis EMS responded. I’m sorry I did not get the name of the driver nor the paramedic, but both women were composed, sure and skilled in their work. Dr. Steif at Big Bend Regional Medical Center—who had set each of Huck’s broken arms in the distant past—and Nick, the ER nurse on duty, dealt with me with efficiency, wisdom and a touch of humor. At home the following day, Dr. Sliz at Presidio County Health Services fit me into her schedule despite her packed day, consulted with us for a long time, and came up with a plan of action. My husband, it should be noted, is an angel.
Lately we see a lot of bitterness and anger in the world at large. At every step of my small event, however, each person leapt immediately to help and demonstrated deep and innate compassion. It was not simply their job to do so. I’m grateful to each of them and lucky that such attributes are common among people across the Big Bend.
And also on the upside: if the color of my two black eyes lasts just a little longer, my Halloween costume as Rocky Balboa will be a cinch.
Sterry Butcher
Marfa
Surprise article brings back Marfa memories
Sincere thanks for the Sentinel’s surprise story on x2d gallery’s history in the recent Chinati Weekend special section.
Thanks, and a couple of credit-where-due notes: It’s a nice idea––but the gallery has had no involvement with The National Endowment for the Arts.
Immense gratitude goes to early supporter Patrick Lannan Jr. who after that first time visit—in a baseball cap and riding up on a bicycle—for years visited and bought for himself and for the foundation. That was both needed sustenance for artists and gallery, and was also the best confirmation of the gallery’s direction. Regular readings by resident writers brought good people together—especially valuable to a newcomer.
I remember the time a notable shift occurred at those readings that has carried on indirectly into the present. Initially the visiting authors were introduced by the store manager reading from a dust jacket. Then one evening the new manager began by speaking directly to the audience, at length and with no notes. Tim Johnson had arrived.
Thank you Sentinel for an opportunity to remember good people along the way.
Random memories:
// Britt Webb fixing my flat on Christmas eve eve…and Dennis trying to guess if it would offend Britt if I offered to help.
// 2007(?) Marianne Stockebrand sitting down with involved Marfans and quietly considering a direction back to quieter Open House Weekends.
// A young El Paso couple that over the course of 20 minutes or so found out that you can be comfortable in an art gallery.
// At the coffee bar looking up from an ad in Art Forum “Property from the Judd Foundation” and seeing, across Highland, a crew rolling scaffolding up to the Print Building…in dire need of saving.
// And thanks to Rubin, who was prepping my current home for sale back in 2003. He listened to my fears that the realtor was jerking me around and suggested I go talk to the seller’s high school best friend. I got brave and knocked. She spent a few minutes on the phone with the elderly seller who had moved away. We had Dr. Pepper at the kitchen table. The realtor called and my offer had been accepted. Every day I am thankful to be in this place.
Dennis Dickinson
Marfa