Following the news both locally and nationally, I get a feeling that being a good neighbor has become another victim of our current times.
Why is this?
When did it stop being a personal endeavor to BE a good neighbor?
Perhaps, folks have forgotten what this means or how to go about it. Let’s refresh.
Being a good neighbor in the biblical sense is “doing unto others as you would have done to you.” In the literal sense, don’t be a jackass. Fairly simple and straightforward, or so you think.
Let me first say, I am not perfect, not even close, and I make no assertions to be. But I have always endeavored to persevere in being a good neighbor.
Doing the right thing, especially when no one is watching, that’s being a good neighbor
Respecting the values and opinions of those with whom you disagree, a good neighbor.
Not letting your dog do their business on the lawn next door, a good neighbor.
And the list goes on and on. You get it, I hope. Being a good neighbor is something that unites us - as a street, community, county, state and more importantly, a nation.
Our nation was founded under the principles of One Nation, Under God, Indivisible.
During the darkest of times of the American Revolution, Thomas Paine took pen to paper and wrote “Common Sense.” In this small yet powerful set of works, he laid out the reasoning behind a people seeking freedom from the oppressive reigns of tyranny. That the “times that try men’s souls” are a beacon for unity, not division. Is being there for each other - in a neighborly way - a stretch?
Not really.
The fact that with election day fast approaching, so many people selfishly see their own interests being more important than that of their neighbors sadly makes me question how much people value their neighbor.
Would you like to see your neighbor living in a less secure, higher taxed way?
Not me, I love my neighbor. I only want the very best for them, for all of you.
I love New York but watching what things have become under the current Democratic control is not only upsetting, it’s not very neighborly. I value safety and security above all else for both my neighbors and my own family. I would hope you do as well.
It is high time to make our state more neighborly by looking out for each other and putting other folks before ourselves.
So when you cast your ever important ballot, ask yourself: Are you a good neighbor?
James Mehling
Warwick