By Janet Wilcox
(Published in the San Juan Record Dec. 20, 2017
Ironically the theme for this year’s National History Fair
is Conflict and Compromise. I’d say San Juan County knows a bit about such
things! Conflict has become an abundant
commodity in today’s news; unfortunately, Compromise is much less forthcoming.
Southern Utah is no exception to the imbalance of these positions. Many alarmist voices appear bent on forcing
capitulation rather than compromise, as they defend their position, even when it
means using hyperbole, false narratives, and speculation.
I often wonder if such folks handle their personal lives in
the same way? Within families do we rant
and rave, and stomp our feet when we don’t get our way? Do we respond as spoiled children? Do we name call, and use derogatory slurs
about those who disagree with us? Or do we
rise to higher ground and talk about options, possibilities, and seek a
consensus, or compromise?
Fifty years ago on a cold Idaho morning, Steve & I were
married. Eventually the cold turned to a blizzard, but it was still a day to
remember. At the time I assured my
father that Steve and I had many things in common and that we were a great
match. Both of us came from farming families where everyone was expected to
work. Our religious beliefs were the
same, as well as our love for the outdoors and for children. However, even with
those and many other commonalities, we’ve still had our share of minor and
major conflicts.
At one of our first socials, someone asked why we build it
that way; “Why didn’t you finish the deck out?” And I answered, “That’s what a
compromise looks like.” Neither of us
got exactly what we wanted, but we each got something we could live with.
