The Observation Deck

OK everyone, the now-retired school teacher in me would like for you all to return to your desks, and sit down for a lesson...

In 1960, episode 22 of the television series "Twilight Zone", by Rod Serling, was aired. It was titled "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street". Some of you might remember the story. The highly acclaimed tale was also reproduced in readers for the schools, as it was a true social classic.

Seems it was a calm day on Maple Street, a typical American side street, when a flash of light passed overhead. Then, power went off and on up and down the street affecting cars, appliances, etc...Naturally, the neighbors meet and attempt to address the problem. Before long, suspicions arose, normally nice people started blaming each other, violent thoughts and actions arose, and terrible consequences resulted.

Nearby were two aliens, observing all of this from a spacecraft, who were amazed at how easy it was to turn a peaceful neighborhood upon each other, just by their manipulation of the power grids. They realized that all they had to do to take over the world was to let the people destroy themselves.

Many religious people among us believe that humanity was flawed with original sin, and therefore, we have this fundamental imperfection that causes normally "good" people to turn VERY nasty if the least little negative thing happens. That, of course, was the consequence of Maple Street, and I would opine that the very same consequence can be seen today on the streets of Lakewood.

Let's put all of this into perspective for a moment...

We have an issue...the hospital...

Now, worst case scenario, there are several other quality hospitals very close by available to us. Most of us knew long before Mayor Summers came into office that Lakewood Hospital was eventually going to be in trouble, for that reason alone. For one, it's old. For another, which ever way modern medicine was going, Lakewood Hospital hasn't appeared to be on that track for quite awhile now, at least in my opinion.

Now, please understand that I'm VERY much in favor of trying to save Lakewood Hospital. That said, I think we can all agree that saving it will be far and away the MOST difficult of the choices we have, because WHETHER any other health care provider would be willing to pick up the reins, do the necessary updates, refurbs, etc...would be a monumental wish for us, at this point.

By being proactive, the Mayor has brought all of this into sharp focus at this time. Whether he might have done it differently, or "better" or not is quite frankly, an irrelevant point. The fact of the matter is that the city's options are currently very limited, no matter which way all of this eventually plays out. Something HAD to be done about Lakewood Hospital. At least the mayor put the issue out there on the front burner, where it belongs.

Indeed, whether or not we can save the hospital at this point has almost become irrelevant. Saving the hospital pales in comparison to what we have been doing to each other lately.

Lakewood has become Maple Street.

The question now, is whether or not it will continue to be...

Back to the banjo...

Gary

I usually agree with your strumming but there are major flaws in your premises upon which your otherwise logical thinking is based.

First what you refer to as "religious" principle is based almost entirely on the concept of personal accountability. One commentator pointed out that my words if you keep lying there will be "serious personal consequences" linked to "blood on your hands" came directly from scripture and that many of the people acting so aghast about those words routinely hear them in church and put money in the box for it. In my case they conspired together in meetings like your friends on Maple street and then ran to the police to allege a "crime". To do the easiest thing and ignore accountability is not change at all.

Second. The power grid on Maple Street is controlled by Summers and the "aliens" CCF. He didn't just bring this to our attention--he masterminded it and he has his hand on the power switch. He wants a full release of accountability to turn the power back on.

Third In the parabols of Jesus what seemed the hardest path was always the right path. He was confronted the powerful hypocrites on behalf of the weak.

So with all due respect I don't think you have a full understanding that the hospital "crisis" has been manufactured by the aliens. Nationally it is documented that huge hospital systems figure out what local leaders want--give that to them-- and divide the local community to get what they want. In this case Gary I would ask you to move over to the scientific evidence post about Higher Death Rates and add your wisdom to directly address that subject.

Brian Essi wrote:[I]n the parabols of Jesus what seemed the hardest path was always the right path. He was confronted the powerful hypocrites on behalf of the weak.

Amen!

Pasquale Manno wrote:
Many of us enjoy Mr. Essi's antics and appreciate that Mr. O'Bryan allows him to break practically every rule of civility on the Observer Deck. However, there must be some reasonable limits to the expectations of one's behavior so as not to lose credibility or senselessly provoke further angst in the community.

Mr. Manno, Brian Essi never accused David Stein of working for the Clinic or working for a landscaping company. He merely pointed out that David, like many others at Build Lakewood, has a personal financial interest in the outcome. The Mayor has promised many things to many people. If the Mayor is re-elected we will never know the full truth. Right now the Mayor and his allies are working hard against the discovery process. If he is re-elected he will grant the Clinic a release from all liability and end the discovery process.

Is that good for the City?

Is that acceptable to you and if so why?

Mr. Manno, are you aware that the Mayor has sent the Lakewood police to "interview" Mr. Essi?

Mr. Manno, is the abuse of police power acceptable to you?

Mr. Manno, is the use of the power of the State to intimidate political opposition acceptable to you?

The people at Build Lakewood are engaged in a nasty campaign. Is that acceptable to you?

Which is worse, asking the opposition questions or sending the police out to question the opposition?

What's happening to this City when a small group can use public assets of the Hospital as their own?

What's happening to this City when a small group can use police power to silence the opposition?

If being asked to answer difficult questions offends you or makes you afraid, I apologize. Feel free to send a police officer to ask me about my motivations. Please.

Brian,

We've never met face to face. We really should. It would be an interesting conversation.

I stand by my opinions and premises as I'm sure that you do, yours, and I'm not so sure that they would be as different as you might imagine. Perhaps, perhaps not.

At the same time, I am a mediator at heart. As I've said many times, I like the old idea attributed to the Quakers, that there are three sides to an argument. Thine, mine, and Truth.

Laboring for Truth never hurts.

It is obvious to me that everyone here cares. These are tough times, but you know what they say about adversity not building, but rather revealing character...

Or, perhaps in this case, adversity is simply revealing characters?

Lunch sometime.

Back to the banjo...

Gary

Blessed are the peacemakers.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

FYI I have settled several multimillion dollar cases that were as contentious as this one. I see no opportunity to settle this yet-Summers and CCF have not budged a nickel from where they started. If I see the door crack open, my olive branch will be the first one in to keep it open.

Brian,

Thank you. Your words are very meaningful.

I'm not an attorney, but as an educator, I have settled numerous cafeteria food fights.

Perhaps between the two of us and a few others, one day we can indeed find common ground between all parties.

My concern is what all this is doing to people. To yourself, to our mayor, to all of us. Upsetting stuff is not a very healthy thing for anyone to live with.

I'd like to see the hospital get more business, but not this way...

Back to the banjo....