THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 Page 5 ~ GUEST COMMENTARY ~ Civil Discourse in the Era of Polarization A By Sal Giarratani few weeks past Mayor Brian Arrigo wrote a powerful commentary on the pages of the Revere Advocate. His piece titled “We’ve all gone mad... and just too far,” spoke truth to power. As Arrigo stated, “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?” I agree with the mayor that America’s experiment of self-governance is being tested once again. Living in this age of polarization, the stakes are too high to maintain neutrality. Thanks to the echo chambers out there in our midst being fed by a media less intent on giving us news and facts and more intent on both dividing and pitting us against each other. Our elected offi cials in both parties act out against each other and all we get is a maddening crowd. There is a lot of sound and fury but most of it is meaningless. President James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, once observed that if men were angels there would be little need for government, which is why we have a constitution to follow. We are far lesser than angels and we see this fact every day. Lately, in the City of Revere, we see this national passion play at work. Civil discourse has given way to an explosion of passion. It has been seen recently at both City Council meetings and those of the Human Rights Commission. We need to listen more than talk. We need to maintain respect for opposing views. We should be able to listen and respond without going to the nuclear option. Words and actions must be respectful. We are all one people. We are all looking out for what is best for our nation, our state and here in this city, for Revere. This “us” versus “them” mentality hurts everyone and it is up to each of us to understand this reality. The last time America fought like one nation was back on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when America was attacked at the World Trade Center. I still remember what that felt like. It felt good but it took a horrible tragedy to knock some sense into us. That period of oneness was far too brief. Today, America is back once again to September 10, 2001, when we were our usual disunited selves. In more recent years this polarization has gone really out of control and grown into a spreading cancer of sorts. The cure is found in each of us to fi nd those ways to bind us together. There is always more that unites us, than divides us. This polarization isn’t helping fi x anything in this country and only builds walls around each of us. We can’t wait for our elected leaders to fi nd solutions when most of them are the problem. We wait for the free press to offer solutions when they seem to enjoy the turmoil. To put it short and simply, Mayor Brian Arrigo is correct: WE’VE ALL GONE MAD. The job for all of us is to recognize the Do Not Lose Sleep Worrying About Insomnia MALDEN — There’s nothing quite as frustrating as not being able to get to sleep and stay asleep. Insomnia happens to most people at one time or another in their life but is more common in older adults. Insomnia is the most prevalent type of sleeping problem in elders. With insomnia, people have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Some issues that lead to insomnia include worrying about certain things that makes your mind rave or taking any new medication (over the counter or prescription) that may be causing side eff ects. Sleep apnea is another issue. When an individual suff ers from sleep apnea, he or she stops breathing momentarily while sleeping and subsequently wakes up after each cessation. Movement disorders, such as Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, are other causes of sleeplessness. Such conditions cause uncomfortable feelings in the legs that can lead to unsettled sleep. The National Sleep Foundation states elderly people may also experience insomnia because of a change to their circadian rhythm. Our body has internal clock that gives us signals when it is time to go to bed. As we age, these circadian signals become less effi cient which result in elderly people going to bed earlier and waking up earlier. According to a publication by the National Institute on Aging, “A Good Night’s Sleep,” older adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, many elders don’t get enough sleep for many reasons. People function better with the appropriate amount of sleep but when they go without sleep, they may be irritable, forgetful, depressed, and be more likely to have falls. There are some steps older adults can take to help sleep better. Follow a regular schedule, going to bed at the same time each evening and waking at the same time each morning. Create a bedtime routine and follow it each night 30 minutes prior to going to bed. By doing a routine regularly, your body will begin to know when it’s time to sleep. Also, make sure the pillows and mattress are comfortable, exercise frequently, but avoid exercise three hours before bedtime, and be aware of when you eat. Eating a large meal close to bedtime can prevent you from sleeping well. Most importantly, talk with a primary care physician to rule out any physical problems that may be causing the restless sleep patterns. Only a physician can diagnose some of the more serious causes of sleep disorders. INSOMNIA | SEE Page 21 madness around us and be part of the solution bringing us back to sanity again. I am willing to take the fi rst step. Anyone want to join me? Government, after all, is our Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 PUBLIC AUCTION FRIDAY, JUNE 3RD AT 1:00 PM MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE • MALDEN • 15 ROOM / 6 BEDROOM TWO FAMILY DUPLEX STYLE HOME Malden, MA To Be Sold On The Premises FEATURES: • Two Family Duplex Style Home • • Total of (15) Rooms w/ (6) Bedrooms & (2) Bathrooms • • ±4,317 S/F of Area • Gas FWA Heat • Basement • • Clapboard Siding • Hardwood Floors • Public Water & Sewer • • Zoned: Residential A • Assessor’s Parcel ID: M:137, B:799, L:909 • Sale Per Order Of Mortgagee Attorney Keith K. Fuller 5300 Bigelow Commons, Enfield, CT Attorney For Mortgagee TERMS OF SALE: $10,000.00 Deposit Cash Or Certified Funds 5% Buyers Premium Applies Other Terms To Be Announced At Time Of Sale Aaron Posnik AUCTIONEERS • APPRAISERS West Springfield, MA • Philadelphia, PA 413-733-5238 • 610-853-6655 TOLL FREE 1-877-POSNIK1 • (767-6451) MA Auc Lic #161 • PA Auc Lic #AY000241L Web: www.posnik.com • Email: info@posnik.com “LOCATED AT BUS STOP TO MALDEN T-STATION” 220 Lebanon Street business. Act like you know that either we run it or it runs us. Standing together beats screaming and yelling like a bunch of banshees. Stop the madness.
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