We are so fortunate in Platte County that we, thus far, have plentiful drinking water even in drought. Ocean rise due to climate change does not threaten us. Wildfires are small. Armies are not massed on our borders, but whatever happens internationally finds a way into the county, anyway.
I’ve wondered if families here have sons or daughters deployed to NATO countries in the past week? Are the Fort Leavenworth soldiers, students, and families who live among us watching the news with anxiety?
Sometimes international is good. This week, I miss the Olympics coming into my living room via TV and providing a bright spot in the news I view on the web. On one channel you see athletes from around the world congratulating each other, fist bumping or even having group hugs. The good stuff.
Although, on another station you can see Russian tanks aimed at Ukraine. Then the scene shifts to people just like you and me walking the streets and trying to carry on normally with possible destruction at their doorstep. The Olympics and all sports have long been a fine substitute for the human instinct for tribal warfare, and war as a cure for boredom. But we’ve a way to go. We’re left in our middle-of-America spot to wonder how can we help?
For one, I’m glad we have support for good schools in our county. Our teachers must be free to teach the truth, to help students improve thinking and evaluation skills. Our youth must know what goes on beyond the boundaries of our county, state, and country. We’re in a world-wide economy. Experts say an attack on Ukraine will cause our gas prices to spike. That hurts, we’re not immune to consequences. Our youths, like the adults, are watching the news, too. They must have a basic understanding of the world’s history, complexities, and dangers. This holds true for students aiming for a career in the trades or service industries and those bound for college.
We cannot overdo the sharpening of young peoples’ understanding of local governance, too. The U.S. Constitution reaches down to school boards, boards of aldermen, and the county courthouse. We need to build more engagement and involvement in local government by sparking interest in youth. It’s funny how participation in local government enhances one’s view of how human nature and personalities affect even the unfolding of international events. What the world needs more of is understanding.
If your high school has a fundraising event for a foreign exchange student program, support it. Nothing builds understanding faster than young people sharing a bit of life with those from other countries. I had first-hand experience with this in my school days. The realization of shared humanity and the goodness in others is a profound thing.
What a strange time it is. We watch our high school athletes compete in our gyms, our science and debate teams go to meets, the show goes on for students in theater and music. Those youths at the same time are looking out at a world where Olympics transitions to war or threat of war. It may be on the other side of the globe, but modern media brings it close.
Yet we all carry on. If you are missing the Olympics and winter sports, don’t forget our Platte County resources. The Line Creek Community Center operated by Kansas City Parks and Recreation at 5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive offers hockey and ice skating on a year-round indoor ice rink, including bleachers for onlookers. We have skiing and snowboarding at the Snow Creek ski area north of Weston. When it comes to winter sports, we are not without.
Let’s hope somehow war winds do not occur. War never looked more foolish than in these modern, interconnected times.
Bill Graham is a long-time commentator on Platte County and its history. He lives in the Platte City area and can be reached at editor@plattecountycitizen.com.