MONDAY SERMON

Communities live or die depended on the commitment and integrity of both leadership and citizenry. Leadership may be visible but is not always open to accountability. Even in a “manifest democracy” leadership can find methods to isolate itself from responsibility to the public. However, that is not the subject for today’s post. I (this I is a hiccup that Dragon likes to interpose)

Citizens in a community in which there is a dominant form of a “political boss” party challenge have only limited avenues to express their opinions. Thanks to the advent of the IT technology era; the Internet; and the First Amendment the expression of the diverse opinion cannot be squashed; although it is often subject to belittlement and distortion by those who wield the political power.

In Plainfield we are fortunate to have at least five active bloggers; one of whom is not only the chairman of the local Democrat party but also the long-term representative in the assembly from this community. This blog is not the subject today.

Of the remaining five, one is focused on presenting the history of black pride and achievement. It does its job well and should be read. The second although tarnished by political overtones can be a very informative media about local “happenings” both political and of human interest.

That remains three to be considered. All are authored by individuals by individuals who have the concerns of Plainfield at heart. They are apolitical although quite often their subject matter has to do with leadership antics in local politics. Although these blogs are the subject of my remarks, it is not their focus on local politics but rather the efforts by some to appraise the readers about traditions of minority groups among us. The goal is to promote better understanding; defuse prejudices and make this town a more social and cultural homogeneous municipality

I would call attention to one who has striven like Don Quixote against the stone wall windmills of the Board of Education and has now turned her sights on better understanding in the community in an effort to make Plainfield her adopted  home a desirable place for all to set down roots.

Her Sunday posting on Feliz Dia de Reyes! Should be mandatory reading for all who believe that all people are created equal but differ in the manifestations of their inherited customs. It is important that we know and understand our fellow citizens even if some of their customs seem weird to us.

Indeed, I would venture to remarks that the religious traditions of the Mexicans are unique and even unknown by many of the Catholic faith. 

Like wise, although people lump all Jews together there are significant differences in the rituals of Reformed, Reconstructionist, Conservatist and even among the Orthodox sects as well as the two main Diaspora divisions; Sephardi and Ashkenazi.

We’ve just concluded the time of the year dedicated to “peace on earth and goodwill to all men”. It is time that all of us especially our political and religious leadership practice what we profess.