The song “Little Boxes,” written by Malvina Reynolds in 1962, is a wonderful 2-minute ditty that pokes fun at the middle class of our country. Pete Seeger put it on the charts with his rendition in 1963. “Little Boxes” refers to the houses of the middle class and the chorus goes: “… Little boxes all the same. There’s a green one, and a pink one, and a blue one, and a yellow one, and they’re all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.”
I will compose a more timely version of the stanza at the conclusion of this essay. (Now, don’t skip to the end.)
I have been interested in our political scene since the first Eisenhower-Stevenson race for President in 1952. Ike won by a landslide. My mom correctly predicted, “This is the beginning of the end.” But more recently, I have been involved in local politics, which has afforded me a new perspective on what this “game” is really about. If you enjoyed all the fairs and festivals during these past couple of months, they don’t even hold a candle to the political amusement park. Hop on the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round with me for a moment. Hold on tight.
For the first time in my 81 years, I (along with others) have had to directly deal with local elected officials. Oh sure, I have been active in protests and demonstrations in the past, but this time I had to confront local elected officials face to face. It has been quite a learning experience. I won’t discuss the specifics, nor will I mention names. Although it might be the right time to do so, I don’t feel it’s the right place.
I enjoyed several of our seasonal fairs and festivals this year as I always do, but I have never been on a Ferris wheel, carousel, or roller coaster, which turned me in so many circles and different directions, ultimately landing me in the same place as I have while interacting with local politicians. I have dealt with well over a dozen local boards, committees, and commissions, each saying, “We don’t have the ‘authority’ to do this.” Subsequently, I was directed to another group and then another until I was ultimately directed back to the first one. Our group was also directed to various state agencies who played the same “game.”
Now when I listen to the national news on TV, I can see that nobody wants to take responsibility. (Even Donald Trump says it’s Joe Biden’s fault.) I once tried telling my dad that I flunked a French test because the teacher didn’t explain the subjunctive clearly enough. He didn’t buy it. I hadn’t learned the ropes yet.
In a different aspect of the “game,” fairs and festivals proliferate during the fall season. “There is a season turn turn turn.” (The Byrds) You may have noticed that all of a sudden our elected officials running for office are seen countless times during the day cutting ribbons, kissing babies, and supporting every fundraiser under the sun, even contradictory ones. Only those in their district, of course. “‘Tis the season.” It’s primary time and election time. After Nov. 3, if you want to speak with one of them, you will be directed to an aide who will tell you that they don’t have the authority to do what you’re asking. See Joe down the hall.
Below is my promised updated version of the chorus of “Little Boxes”: “… Politics all the same. There are Democrats, and Republicans, and Independents, and Conservatives, and they’re all made out of ticky tacky and they all act just the same.”
Jonathan Kahane lives in Westhampton.