We have just passed another anniversary of a dark milestone in the history of our country. The “date that will live in infamy,” previously invoked by Franklin D. Roosevelt following the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, was repeated when the United States was assaulted on September 11, 2001. Known by its shorthand of “9/11,” the three-pronged attack resulted in the death of thousands, destruction of the World Trade Center, damage to the Pentagon and an airplane crash in Pennsylvania. The resulting shock by people around the world galvanized a unity of purpose to understand why this happened and seek revenge for the heinous crime.
Although the result was a mixed bag of individual actions, overall the response to this threat to our democratic system and wholesale carnage was a consensus to aid and comfort those directly and indirectly involved in the catastrophe. The same reaction is usually evoked during natural disasters and personal tragedy. Human nature, for the most part, is comforting and empathetic. When faced with threats of significant change, our natural positive responses do battle with fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Examples of intolerance and base actions can be found but, overall, most find comfort in a united and principled stance.
One of the most vexing problems facing our communities is the precarious economic environment. For some there is little problem paying bills and enjoying the fine weather and amenities of the Bay Area. However, this is a relatively small slice of our population. For many, the comfortable lifestyle of a middle-class economy has disappeared and as the wealth gap has widened, those who struggle to make ends meet have been squeezed into untenable positions without the means to compete for a meager supply of truly affordable housing. The choice left is chilling – roof, food or medicine. In many cases a downward spiral is inevitable. For others, the fear of falling into the economic trap of poverty is terrifying.
Recent actions by the Fremont City Council to define and locate a Housing Navigation Center culminated in a display of heightened interest and community involvement that is rarely seen in the greater Tri-City community. Although passionate debate of the merits and placement were on display, discourse was civil and reasoned. In the end, a decision was made to locate the center next to City Hall and now all the rhetoric, promises, suggestions and statistics will be put to the test.
Just as with other significant decisions and occurrences, once an action plan is in motion, the time is right to consolidate our differences in a sense of purpose. In this case, the goal of adding another method to aid fellow citizens should be paramount; the fervor shown in favor or against specific proposals now abandoned in favor of action to ensure that a positive outcome emerges. It was heartening to witness community engagement that adheres to lawful protocol when confronted by significant change. As other issues of importance rise, so should the aspiration toward a common goal of living in a safe, clean and harmonious environment.