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.
One such event happened about five years ago, when we had
saved up enough money to finally build a 2nd level deck with a fire
escape for the upstairs bedrooms. I was
keen on having it cover most of the patio area below, thus providing more shade
for those hot summer cookouts. In addition, I envisioned an expansive area for grandkids and their summer sleepovers. However, my
very frugal husband, thought such extravagance was wasteful, and
unnecessary. Many conversations were
held complete with tape measures, estimates, and pictures. Finally, our patient
contractor built the deck, part of it with railings and a solid floor, and the other
half, as a pergola with open slats.
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.
Such is the dilemma facing San Juan County. Do we keep on fighting, or accept and work
with the designated compromise? Neither side of the Bears Ears debate got exactly
what they wanted, yet we all got something positive. However, many strident voices continue to
defame the President, the Sec. of Interior, duly elected State and County
officials and any county citizen they don’t agree with. Has compromise ever
been part of their formula? To read some of their sensationalized stories,
you’d think our public lands had been shipped off to Mars, or a bomb had
dropped on them, eradicating any sign of access. Should the ability to outshout,
disparage, and buy power and control, outweigh civility and discussion in these
matters? It would seem that conservation
combined with compromise, and communication are better tools to use when making
decision which affect neighboring lands, lives, and livelihoods. We may not get exactly what we want, but surely,
we can learn to live in harmony, and horzo and let rancor die a natural well-deserved
death.
