THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 5 ~ OP-ED ~ We’ve all gone mad… and just too far By Mayor Brian Arrigo “The last hopes of mankind, therefore, rest with us; and if it should be proclaimed, that our example had become an argument against the experiment, the knell of popular liberty would be sounded throughout the earth.” —U.S. Senator Daniel Webster at the dedication of the Bunker Hill Monument, June 17, 1825 I t seems our great American experiment of self-governing democracy is being tested once again. Generation after generation we have seen sanity prevail as great turmoil led our people to turn toward unity and away from division to solve big, history-making issues such as world wars, previous pandemics, and natural disasters. I think of instances locally – in 2014 when the tornado touched down ripping apart our city – while before my time as Mayor, I remember our community coming together to support each other, rebuild together and generally step up to help in any way their fellow neighbors in need. I’ve seen this during the early days of the pandemic when people needed supplies and food and our city needed volunteers – a network of neighbors gave generously of their time, skills and resources to help. When fi res erupt causing great tragedy and displacement, people stand together to help those most in need. This is the spirit of our community – this is the Revere I know and this is the Revere that time and time again supports each other. Like any family our city has each other’s back in time of need – we might argue among ourselves daily but when outside infl uences and uncertain times arise at our doorstep our spirit and resolve to protect one another from harm rises above all else. However, recently it seems we have lost our way – will it really take a tragic or near-catastrophic event to awaken us from a tunnel vision of the ‘you vs. me’ or the ‘us vs. them’ mentality that feeds on itself in extremist groups divided by perceived diff erences? In many instances, it’s taken these tragic or near-catastrophic events to awaken us from a tunnel vision of the ‘you vs. me’ or the ‘us vs. them' mentality that feeds on itself in extremist groups divided by perceived differences. Today, our generation and our city face new challenges; the introduction of social and digital media platforms has fed into this pack mentality – creating echo chambers that fuel the polarizing perspectives of the far-right and left sides of the political aisle. These tactics glorify destructive and violent behavior. They are intentional and they won’t stop until it is no longer fashionable to be extreme, or when the number of hits on an Instagram page isn’t rewarded by big money interests. What tragedy must occur to bring us back together? What war must we fi ght to right our collective spirit of oneness? What heinous act will we have to witness? What storm will we need to weather together to bring us back together? Or, perhaps, we can self-correct and choose to be more tolerant instead of having to suff er hardship to get there. That journey starts by all of us choosing to be more thoughtful with our words and actions. GONE MAD | SEE Page 15 Refinance NOW and SAVE! Home Values are Up Don’t Miss Your Chance To: Lower Your Payments! Lower Your Interest! Get Cash For Projects! Pay Your Home Off Sooner! Rates are Still LOW... It’s FASTER & EASIER than you think! Just visit us online, call or scan the QR Code below! Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? Call Paul at (617) 387-5457 for details. memberspluscu.org 781-905-1500 MEDFORD NORWOOD DORCHESTER EVERETT PLYMOUTH NMLS #472281
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