The Lantern In The Barn

One reader (see COMMENTS below last post) asked that I elaborate on a true story that expresses, to some degree, the problems that some of us experience, not only with shows, but in other areas of life, as well. It has to do with "getting used to" problems to the point where we no longer "see" them. Here is part of the letter I shared with that reader earlier:

"After awhile, folks get accustomed to something, then stop seeing it. I remember our barn when I was a kid. Ever since I was born, there was always a lantern (no longer used) hanging on a hook just inside the door. One day I walked into the barn, and noticed something was different. Couldn't put my finger on it - but I knew something was not right. That evening I told my dad about that feeling. He then told me that he had finally tossed out the old lantern.

"All those years of walking right by it, but never really noticing it anymore because it was just "always there".

How many times have you grown so accustomed to something - a lantern on the wall; a problem at work; or even a spouse - that you just stop "seeing" it? Taking it for granted. I think that is what has happened to car shows. It used to be a thing of honor, to compete honestly. But as in all things, a few people who are either unthinking, or in some cases just dishonest, begin taking advantage, and in an attempt to win, they stoop to a lower level. At first, it is only one or two people, so we look askance at them, but say nothing. And because we say nothing, the problem slowly grows, like any infection, fungus or weed. Left untended in fertile ground, anything will grow.

And as it grew, we became rather numb to it. We figured we could do nothing about it, so we began ignoring it. And today, such problems have gotten almost out of control.

But they are not out of control yet. We have the opportunity to clean it up, and make it better for everyone except the cheaters. We can do that by monitoring ourselves, and by confronting organizers who allow, or even encourage it.

To monitor ourselves, simply THINK before you vote - first and foremost, your vote should never go for any vehicle that is out of its class. And you should avoid the trap of voting in the "buddy system". It's time that the winners were the vehicles that actually deserve to win, and not just the folks who have the most friends and relatives present. It's not supposed to be a popularity contest. And if you see someone overtly cheating, talk to them - not in a confrontation, but as a friend.

And when organizers allow, or encourage cheating by allowing class jumping, or sticking cars in the wrong classes, we need to speak up, and let them know if they do not enforce their classes, or provide adequate services and organization, we will stop going to their shows. That will get their attention, and it WILL result in better shows, simply because their primary purpose is to raise funds - and they cannot do that if folks stop going to their shows.

If we pull together, we can get the monkey back into its cage. If we do not, the monkey will raise havoc with us all, and eventually ruin it for everyone.

If you fail to tend your garden, the weeds will overtake it.