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Elwood P. Dowd’s best friend is Harvey, a six-foot rabbit, whose existence is problematic. Although Elwood is confident of his presence, others aren’t so sure. In fact, although the “pooka” (spirit) is benign and offers no threat, those who cannot accept his existence – especially his sister and niece – feel socially threatened by Elwood’s eccentric behavior. An adaptation of a 1944 play, “Harvey”, the 1950 film of the same name, starring Jimmy Stewart, explores the concept of strong beliefs even when severely challenged.
In this case, Harvey is rather passive and, although invisible and singularly attached to Elwood, only intervenes in subtle and positive circumstances. Harvey’s interactions with others are primarily limited to indirect incidents, solely interpreted by Elwood as well as a few desperate attempts by others to mollify what appears to be a delusional, often inebriated construct. Does Harvey actually exist? The answer is decidedly moot.
Whether Harvey is real or not, his impact and effect on Elwood and those around him is tangible. Elwood sees a 6 foot, 3 ½ inch rabbit and, no matter what anyone else says or thinks, Harvey is a loyal companion who accepts and welcomes Elwood, sober or not, whatever the circumstance. Harvey is the essence of a best friend without baggage that could detract from a close and secure bond. Whatever attributes Elwood bestows on Harvey are indisputable in his realm of existence.
A version of Elwood’s six-foot rabbit is currently making the rounds in national discussions about events in Ukraine. Although many thousands of miles away from us, the southeast Bay Area shares ethnic and social roots with all corners of the globe including Ukraine. Far from the comedic circumstances of Harvey and Elwood, belief in the spirit and prowess of a 5’7” malignant leader is not only misplaced, but dangerous and threatening to our very way of life. Attributes bestowed through journalistic license and political manipulation can obscure true intent and goals, replacing a benign, even heroic “Harvey” with something evil and destructive.
It is incumbent on all of us who share in the largesse of a democratic society to encourage and support others who share similar beliefs. Several generations have passed since a cataclysmic confrontation between democratic and autocratic forces resulted in a semi-stable world order. Dictators and authoritarian regimes were defeated, albeit at great cost to all humanity. Although overt and subversive attempts to revert to empire building and/or theocratic rule have been destabilizing, causing regional disruptions, basic principles of freedom and democracy persevered.
Now, once again, the philosophic mettle of our country is being tested from both within and outside our borders. Unfortunately, a side effect of relatively stable and peaceful relationships can engender apathetic responses to existential threats. Those who have little or no experience under the yoke of oppression and subjugation do not truly know the cost of indifference. When the freedom and liberty of people across the street or across the globe are at stake, it can easily become everyone’s business.
As Thomas Paine stated when the United States was simply an idea:
“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
“Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”
Harvey walks beside each and every one of us. Which one is he? What is his counsel?
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