Here we are at the end of my first “Civics” year (and Lucy’s as well.) While I’ve lost some readers (No matter how hard I try, civics just isn’t as cute as a baby lamb!), I’ve also gained some. Over my 27 posts, I’ve learned a lot about civics, including how much I don’t know.
My passion for this topic doesn’t seem to have lessened any, which is odd for me, since I tend to get excited about something, learn a bit, then move on. (And that is precisely why I chose not to become a mother … can’t dabble in that!)
I appreciate those of you who are reading the blog, and thinking about civics and how it fits—or doesn’t fit—into your life. I hope you’ll join me in 2023 for more fun with civics. Happy New Year!
4 Responses
I’ve really enjoyed this and learned a lot. Probably wouldn’t have really read had it come from anyone else besides someone I know. 🙂
Thanks, Jessi, you’re just the type of person I’m trying to reach. :-). Happy New Year!
I have appreciated your posts. Today’s post caused me to think more about where I live. My initial thought was that there are relatively few civics problems in Missoula, Montana. Then I thought about the people who resist the building of an apartment house in high-income Zone 5 and having a bus stop near their house. Most of the homeless facilities are in Zone 4 because it is the poorest zone. Conservatives cannot accomplish much on the City and County Council because the membership is majority liberal. The plight of Native Americans is too often ignored.
There is a lot to counterbalance the bad. The city and county leadership is a good representation of the community gender and racial balance. There is widespread support for ambitious goals to end homelessness and achieve carbon neutrality. Government and private entities are more open with information than I would expect. There is minimal resistance to accepting immigrants. People complain about taxes and potholes, but most bonding initiatives pass. Missoulians have a general feeling of discrimination because they are viewed internally and externally as the most liberal community in the state. As far as I know, attempts to ban books in the library and schools are considered, accommodated where possible, and outright bans are rejected. Missoulians in general seem well informed and proud of their history. Civics covers a lot of areas . Usually good and bad is in the view of the beholder.
Interesting idea to give a city a sort of ‘civics’ grade or score! Thanks for giving this so much thought. 🙂 ‘Civics’ is such a broad term that it’s hard to capture it all. To me it’s an attitude: Do a city’s citizens put the needs of others before themselves? Do they believe and support the common good? Are people on opposite sides of an issue able to have a civil debate or discussion? Do people listen to each other? Do people elect politicians willing to negotiate and compromise “across the aisle” in order to get things done?
Happy New Year!