From the President: Where's the Hope?

From the President
Dave Barry, Principal Walled Lake Central HS

Anybody but me notice that this is an election year? I participate reluctantly in our political process. I know good Americans keep close tabs on what is going on and vote when they are given the chance. But I don't like it. I tend not to trust what any politician says or put much hope in his or her ability to truly change things. I don't necessarily think I'm right, but it's my default position.

Here’s why. Imagine we elected all the right people to all the right offices. President, Congress, Governors, right down to the school board, city council members, and dog catcher (which, by the way, does anyone still get to vote for?) Let's imagine that all of these ideal office holders instituted all the right policies. Every piece of legislation—from zoning laws, to tax codes, to immigration policy, to crime bills— just exactly the way you know it ought to be.

Would that usher in a better place to live?
Would the hearts of the parents be turned toward their children?
Would all marriages be models of faithful love?
Would greed and pride be legislated out of existence?
Would students find teachers to be models of harmony and delight?
Would human beings now at last be able to master our impulses around sexuality, anger, and narcissism?
Would you finally become the woman or man you know you ought to be?

In the words of child-actor Macaulay Culkin: "I don't think so." That’s because no human external political system has the ability to change the human heart--Not even democracy, capitalism, or post-modern-emergent, Democrats or Republicans. T.S. Elliot summed up our quandary brilliantly: "We want a system of order so perfect that we do not have to be good."

That said, I have good friends who are very involved in the political process and feel that it's an American’s duty to do as much as possible to influence outcomes. More power to them. If that is how they wish to spend their time and money and if they feel as if it makes a difference then I can support them in their pursuits.

My belief is that a change in heart is more of an internal process. Truly, a change of heart can only be done through reflection, a glance at the past, an eye for the future, and both feet in the present. When people have strong relationships in a caring community, with interdependence, commitment and belief in each other then, and only then can we change hearts. So my faith and trust is placed in educators and students learning, working, and growing together.
What do you believe?

My hope is not in who governs us or what laws are made. My hope is in education when adults and students are learning, sharing, and growing. That is why I get up each morning, count my blessings that I have the privilege to be a school leader in the process that ultimately impacts hearts. I hope you feel the same way.

Optimistically,

Dave Barry
MASSP President
davebarry@wlcsd.org