CONSIDER THIS: A promising future frozen in time

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Michael Rodriguez

When I was young, I became fascinated with a painting that hung in our living room. The scene depicted was that of an evening sail in which two men were preparing to launch a modest boat from a rocky shore; up ahead in the distance was a gorgeous night sky eerily reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”

I can recall staring at the piece for nearly an hour, studying every aspect of the artwork in hopes of finding a secret hidden in the brush strokes. Maybe there was another vessel beyond the warped dark sea that a child’s eyes couldn’t identify; maybe if I looked from a different angle I could make out the facial expressions of the two men; or maybe if I gazed upon it long enough I could unearth a clue that would help determine why they were leaving. Little mysteries like that intrigued me then… They still do.

These days, my favorite pastime consists of listening to music and staring off into space, and yes, I can still see that painting in my head, especially while jamming to The Doors.

As an adult, the scene now inspires ambition and promise of progression. Consider that, with a little imagination, the notion of sailing off to an unknown destination is as exciting as it is scary, but the depiction gives the impression that these men possess unparalleled seamanship, and if successful on their voyage great things await them. Yet their efforts are frozen in time, imprisoned in a painting that arouses flights of fancy but ensnares advancement. Any chance of betterment for the individuals setting sail is thus suppressed—all this, of course, is premised on the idea of building worlds around works of art, which is another great pastime of mine.

I thought about this during an interesting visit Wednesday with a blogger, who was apologetic for what she perceived as rudeness on her part during a past exchange. After I informed her that apologies weren’t necessary, the two of us engaged in conversation about a great number of things. What we kept coming back to was the counterproductive nature of our city’s political system and how it continues to fail the people.

Such matters are quite common and even considered trivial these days, but it’s important to remember that this community that’s forever been plagued by petty politics wasn’t always susceptible to it. If there’s one common belief about San Benito shared by its elders, it’s that this town was once committed to amelioration.

Considered a prominent city during the early-to-mid-20th century, San Benito’s agricultural and industrial industries flourished along with its business community, its municipality, its schools and its people. Still, there was also promise of continued advancement. In fact, perhaps the most common thing said about San Benito is that it possesses great potential—a statement uttered as many times today as it was 50 or 60 years ago.

Of course, this could be said by just about any community’s leaders, but it’s actually true in San Benito’s case. What’s heartbreaking is that we’ve since taken steps backwards.

Interestingly, one of the more alluring features of the Resaca City is its internal conflict—a storied past that clashes with its tortured present and uncertain future. A town forever on the cusp of greatness is an appealing thought, albeit not as appealing as actually achieving said greatness.

Maybe our future is frozen in time—like that painting that’s long captured my fascination. After all, we’ve often set sail toward providence only to incur perdition. Or maybe I’m just overanalyzing.

Regardless, our progress, as I have long believed, is no longer in the hands of our leaders but instead lies with the people, and if you’re tired of trying to figure out the mystery of how and why San Benito remains stagnant, then begin drawing a future with all the answers. Besides, there’s nothing more appealing than to break on through to the other side.

(I was still listening to the Lizard King when writing this.)