When I started writing this blog I was focused more on understanding why a certain segment of Columbia’s Pioneers were determined to control future outcomes for the New American City. I wanted to get a grip on what it meant to be in Columbia versus being in an outparcel. I was spending a lot of time tracking complaints from folks who could pinpoint the exact moment that Columbia began to go wrong, (Not always the same moment.) Or, on the other hand, those who pointed to a possible change which would definitely be that moment of never-turning-back destruction of Rouse’s vision.
Recent events have made it clear to me that there’s another encircling ring of judgement: those who pinpoint the exact moment at which Howard County went wrong. And that would be in the creation of Columbia.
It’s hard for me to swallow. Columbia, the unwanted. Columbia, the unloved. Or derided, or feared. But it’s absolutely true that there is a segment of Howard County which blames all sorts of things on the existence of Columbia. It doesn’t matter that we are talking about a community which has now celebrated its 50th Birthday. Some people are still mad. Do they feel towards Rouse’s quiet purchase of Howard County land the way Baltimorians feel about the disappearance of the Colts under cover of darkness? Is it an anger that is passed through generations?
Fifty years is a long time to stay mad.
It’s also true that Columbians, being a part of something founded on idealistic principles, can be mightily full of ourselves. We can sometimes lack perspective on what the county was like before we came along. We are not always the best evangelists for our values. We can be a bit ego-centric.
Village Green/Town² is meant to be an ongoing discussion about where Columbia and Howard County intersect. Right now there are times when it feels as though there are no points of intersection whatsoever. Or that any points that touch are those which create friction. And sparks.
That didn’t stop the Howard County Library/Choose Civility folks from hosting their “The Longest Table” event this year. Of course this event draws its audience from people who want to connect, who want to learn. It’s not a representative cross section of the general population.
Did you go? How was your experience? What did you learn?
I wonder if someday we will look back at The Longest Table Events and pinpoint them as moments when our community at large began to go right. I don’t know. But I can hope.
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