Thinking about where we are, what we are

When writers go on strike, pop culture and creative thinking grind to a halt.

The striking writers in Hollywood have turned late-night television into a cavalcade of reruns and dim-witted monologues. “The Daily Show” and “The Tonight Show” skewer politicians without their usual humorous edge and subtle genius. Whether you agree or disagree, they push your hot buttons.

Without their best and brightest creating the jokes and one-liners, stand-up comedians fall flat as they dish philosophy and tweak the rich and famous.

Writers and authors, I think, play a significant role in our lives because of their creativity and analytical ability. Their tradition of conceptualism is not appreciated until it runs in short supply.

One major problem with modern American society is the lack of time spent on theory, abstract thinking and doctrine.

Even in the hustle and bustle of life in 2008, we’re still the greatest country on earth, thanks to creative minds and persuasive writers. Americans jump to conclusions faster than a cat can wink its eye. They only change their minds when an influential politician or jester appeal to their heart, mind and funny bone.

Last week, I had the honor of talking to the Society of Southwest Authors in Green Valley. The nonprofit group invited me to talk about the future of the print media, but I decided to tap into their collective intellectual prowess and creativity with a simple question. How do you view your life in the Santa Cruz Valley as you contemplate it today?

In retrospect, I wish I had given the writers, all of whom have written commercially published books, poems, short stories or magazine articles, more time to think. Instead, I set a 10-minute window for the brightest writers among us to cultivate their thoughts.

Their comments might not change life in the Santa Cruz Valley, and most of them are not humorous. But I found them frank, interesting and to the point. They were introspective and optimistic. They know the community’s strengths and weaknesses.

Some of the best ones:

Juanita Marotta wrote: “As I drive south on La Canada Drive, I think of how lucky I am to have found and settled in this beautiful valley. Afternoon sunshine on the Santa Rita Mountains after a snowfall reminds me of the Alps of Switzerland. Driving through West Villas, where I live, I thank the architects who designed these attractive condos after studying beautiful homes in Mexico. I love driving down Abrego with the interesting landscaping of palms, saguaros, Joshua trees, colorful lantanas, summertime hollyhocks and more.”

Eve Crook wrote: “Politically, the population is more diverse. There are more differing opinions. Arguing is becoming more comfortable, less threatening. This is good.”

Marilyn Pate wrote: “Here we are in the center of this bowl of beauty. How can we keep, use and enjoy this historic place without destroying it?”

Martha Jacivides wrote: “We need to focus on what this community will become and how best to guide it.”

Denise Roessle wrote: “I see the Santa Cruz Valley/Green Valley at a fork in the road — growth versus resources. Although GV is a quiet little retirement community — and we like it that way — these issues will have an impact on the future. We need to think about where we want to go, what we want to be, rather than just letting things happen to us.”

Beverly A. Bear wrote: “I’m deeply concerned that immigration issues may discourage people from other parts of the country from moving here. I like to look at this issue as a challenge to better understand the human reasons behind the immigration and the resistance.”

Pat Krohn wrote: “I am thankful for the kindnesses of so many strangers who say, ‘hello’ and ‘how are you.’ But I am sad when a grumpy person thinks it’s none of my business.”

David Colpitt wrote: “The opposition of the proposed Rosemont Mine shows how things have changed. Years ago, we would have welcomed an industry that would provide good jobs. Today, we are more concerned about dust, water and destruction of pristine nature — our quality of life.”

Quality of life is the No. 1 issue in many Green Valley homes. How we live, how we raise our families and how we retire are important parts of the fabric in Southern Arizona.

The questions of where we are, and of who we are, can be answered philosophically. Writers and creative thinkers shape our vision. They give us the urge to laugh, the ability to understand and the courage to dream, strike or no strike.

Contact Editor James Bennett at 547-9770 or jbennett@gvnews.com.

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