PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

July 1, 2017

Are we cautious because we are old, or old because we are cautious?

This morning, I needed Flonase to keep my newly acquired allergies under control. We had a value pack in the linen closet. The problem is, it was so well sealed with hard plastic, I could barely open it, even with scissors. Ugh.

There was a day when nothing was sealed. Prescription medications probably were the first candidates with child-proof bottles. Picture it. An elderly patient with severely arthritic hands trying to open anti-inflammatory pain medications now has to painfully struggle with child-proof caps. Next came the Tylenol tampering. Now every over-the-counter medication has sealed caps and impenetrable packaging to protect us and minimize liability. The idea caught on--mustard, ketchup, shampoo, toothpaste, you name it, have seals and bulletproof packaging.

And the scenario broadens. We no longer come and go as we did in the 'good old days.' Old timers talk about the era when people never locked their doors. We started using locks, deadbolts, watch dogs, and eventually, elaborate security systems. Hightened security due to terrorist activity is also affecting our ability to move about freely--security checks are in every corner of our lives. The debate rages around surveillance, security, and the right to privacy.

This all takes me back to a memory of my father. He pastored a church in the Midwest that was attended by some children from a local soldier's and sailor's orphans home. Each summer, members of our church attended church camp. My dad wanted to include the SSO children, although the director of the home was reluctant. Eventually, they agreed with one condition--the children could not swim in the camp swimming pool. I remember my dad, who was one of the most conscientious people I've ever known, let the children swim. I look back on his decision and imagine what it would have been like for these children to sit beside the pool and watch every other child swimming and having a great time.

What do we exchange when we create protective bubbles? Do we have the choice to get in the pool or are we forced to remain safely on the side? Of course, there is a place for sense and sensibility. (What is the last thing a 'redneck' says before he dies? "Hey, watch this!")

Parents continually balance how much risk they permit their children to take against keeping them safe. I'm now heading down the path with elderly parents in my life, and the same concerns bubble up: independence versus safety. If, when, and how do we take away 'the keys'?

Before we surrender personal freedoms, let's weigh the balance: safety versus good old-fashioned American liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th of July!