During this contentious election season, while there is so much venomous talk from and between several of the presidential candidates, I can’t begin to say how reassuring it was to attend my local Town Meeting Day this week.
“Uplifting” is a word that comes to mind regarding this annual forum that demonstrates democracy at its best — government by the governed. Carrying on a 200 year-old tradition practiced nowhere outside of New England, the community comes together. Opposing viewpoints are voiced with conviction, but also within an atmosphere of civility that, considering our current state of politics, appears to be a dying art.
In fact, in affirmation and endorsement of such courteous behavior, Vermont Town Meetings open with a Civil Invocation.* We are lucky across this state; Town Meeting Day is an occasion to witness and participate in the very essence of community.
And, not to be discounted, it also provides a wonderful opportunity to bring a sketchpad and get in some drawing practice.
*Civil Invocation: “Welcome to Town Meeting. We have come together in civil assembly, as a community, in a tradition that is older than our state itself. We come together to make decisions about our community. As we deliberate, let us advocate for our positions, but not at the expense of others. Let us remember that there is an immense gap between saying ‘I am right’ and saying ‘I believe I am right.’ And that our neighbors with whom we disagree are good people with hopes and dreams as true and as high as ours. And let us always remember that, in the end, caring for each other, in this community, is of far greater importance than any difference we may have. Welcome.”
Bravo Betsy! I love the knitters! There is such value in this sketching work of yours – as well as the commentary.
Thanks Pam. I wanted to capture the knitters because that’s probably what I would have been doing if I weren’t drawing!
THESE HAVE TO BE MADE PUBLIC. I think you should try VERMONT LIFE. Your drawings and comments are such a testament to what is VT. I love the packed bleachers. Was the opening quote written by the moderator? Absolutely beautifully expressed. I am passing it on to our selectboard. Dianne
I did a bit of research regarding the Civil Invocation after hearing a VPR commentary the morning of Town Meeting where part of it was quoted. I wanted to read the whole thing. Here’s a link to what I found: http://engagingcities.com/article/civil-invocation-opens-vermont-town-meetings
I was impressed by the way Waterbury residents adhered to its credo during discussion of a somewhat contentious issue.
Yo, Bets,
Loved your blog and sketches. I agree. Offer them to Vermont Life. For a fee, of course.
Uncle Pete
Hey Pete! Glad you tuned in and appreciate your feedback (words from experience). Will see what I can find out…