Goldilocks and the Three Governments

For now, mercifully, most people are focused on what matters, which is life -- especially saving lives of elders and healthcare workers. It's a great relief from the usual battles over who gets a political advantage over whom. We have to collaborate, support, and be thoughtful of others. This is a great opportunity to be our best selves.

However, the coronavirus crisis illustrates why one of those political tugs of war is worse than useless, and that issue is arguing over what size  our governments should be.

Goldilocks, if she were a political animal, would have this to say to us: You can see, can't you, that government is necessary for taking care of all the people? And that all the people need certain essential things if we are all to be safe? We're in this together, whether we like it or not.

We have local, state, and federal governments, and in good times and bad times, they need to work together for the common good. It is VERY obvious at this moment that there must be robust cooperation among them. At all three levels, we don't need big government, nor do we need small government. Rather, we need the right-size functional government that does what needs to be done to take care of everybody. And each level of government has different but complementary roles and capabilities.

By the way, Goldilocks would like a nice not-too-hot, not-too-cold, right-size bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, with fresh fruit and milk, please. And she'd like us to say hello to Mr. Bear, but she doesn't think we should give him a lift because he's not looking for a ride.

[a note about this apparently friendly neighborhood bear: This photo was used to publicize a February 13th Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education presentation, "All about Bears," and a meeting sponsored by the Friends of Canonchet and Narrow River Preservation Society on Feb. 23, 2020: "The Rhode Island Bear Story: From Colonial Persecution to Backyard Pest"