It’s a story that, except for its troubling and tragic ending, might sound like an SNL parody of a Canadian stereotype.
The story goes like this,
For the third time in almost as many weeks, a young moose wanders out of the wilderness, and straight into an Ottawa residential area.
That part sounds kinda like the intro to an unoriginal joke, doesn’t it? Predictable, maybe. Hackneyed, even.
The tragic part is, for the third time in almost as many weeks, Ottawa police cornered, shot and killed the disoriented animal.
Not so funny anymore, is it?
What is it about a moose on the loose—typically so harmless and benign—that prompts a police force to act with such savagery?
Well, in each case, the moose, so it appears, was in an frantic and frenzied state.
Unpredictable, muddled and, therefore, potentially dangerous.
And, each case, so it appears, demanded that something be done.
Something be done…
Deal with it
Do something
Anything
Just get rid of the problem.
Why are we so preoccupied with having to do something?
Why are we so eager to take charge, be in control, look busy?
What’s wrong with slowing down, waiting it out?
Because, maybe, there are times when being busy, acting like we’re in control, doing something, is precisely the wrong strategy
And maybe it’s a good idea to remember that, sometimes, unforeseen events will just take care of themselves.
Ideas? Suggestions? Questions? Please leave a comment.
