‘Commitment of conscience’ starts with us
When and where do I apply goodness, kindness, an open heart and mind?
I didn’t realize the significance or who he was addressing until long after the speech — the speech former Gov. Deval Patrick gave on March 28 in front of the Alcott school to hundreds of Acton patriots — a speech meant for all but with a personal message for me, once I understood it.
At first, I thought his words were meant to hold newly elected Acton Select Board members to behavior that demands a “commitment of conscience” and “respect for the values of freedom, equality, opportunity, and fair play.” Words meant to encourage all our elected leaders and town staff members to “be mindful of, and compassionate toward, the vulnerable and different.”
I began thinking of how I might ensure that the individuals running Acton’s governing bodies would adhere to principles of telling the truth and of not disseminating misinformation. And not to shrug, look the other way, or remain silent when something isn’t right. These behaviors seem especially important, given Acton’s difficult budgetary issues and the flaring up of antisemitism.
And then it dawned on me: I can’t ask of others something I don’t ask of myself. I began examining how I commit myself to a life of conscience: When and where do I apply goodness, kindness, an open heart and mind? Have I cared — do I care — enough to bring the “common good” into the laps of others?
With thanks to Deval Patrick, I have a checklist in my mind to guide my behavior whenever I ask others to be honest, kind, and respectful.
Francie Nolde
Acton Greene
