Needed: More Good Karma

We listened to Germans, French and one from the Netherlands. While in Iceland we heard their tales of the refugee crisis. There are no easy answers. Human beings need sanctuary. The homeless have fled the carnage and ravages of war and have come to the richest of the European countries. Most bring a desire for work, education for their children, a home and safety. They also bring their faith, a sharp contrast to those long settled in Europe. This difference, together with the monetary cost and temporary upheaval have unsettled and disturbed the Europeans. They are struggling in their governments and in the consciences of each individual, causing some divisions among families and friends.

These stories we heard are not new. In fact, they are all too familiar to those of us who have lived through the migrations of the displaced in World War II, Vietnam and more recent conflicts. To be sure, we have all have seen conflicts about differences closer to home.....in our own families, neighborhoods and local governments.

While immersing ourselves in the culture of Iceland, there was a city council meeting back here in our home town of Hot Springs, SD. On return we heard that the council and citizens in attendance were deeply divided over some issues regarding the finances of our local tourist attraction/health club called Evans Plunge. This Plunge is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills and has been a year-round destination for local residents seeking to improve their health and well being. It offers all types of exercise, including the healing mineral waters for swimming and the hot tubs, sauna and steam room that are conducive to relief of aching muscles, as well as a social oasis during the darkest days of winter.

We returned from our "Viking" adventure to the furor of residents who wanted the city to carry all debt to those who wanted some cuts to assist the health of the city finances. Each person had an opinion. Each one wanted it resolved in their way. Each wanted what they felt was best for the city.

There was another meeting by the Plunge Advisory Committee that oversees the Plunge and its finances. They listened to all sides, from "close the golf course, to keep the Plunge open all days, some days, shorten hours, raise rates, lower rates, market more", and on and on.

This committee had yet another meeting. They made compromises in an attempt to appease all sides. They presented their findings at the next city council meeting. Wonder of wonders, each and every council member voted for their compromise! Each council member seemed to appreciate the hard work and decisions made by the advisory group.

I sat in quiet awe. I felt a feeling such as a wave of good karma had filled the chamber. Anger had dissipated and an overwhelming calm was left in its wake. I observed first hand how a small group of determined volunteers had done their extensive research, dismissed their egos and tweaked their initial proposal for the general good.

It can be done. It was done in our small community of Hot Springs, SD. Long may it continue, both here and, just maybe, fingers crossed, it can happen "out there!"