Frequent recurrence to fundamental principles
2023-12-30
Dear friend,
Happy Saturday. I hope you are well.
Here in Halifax, we are quietly getting excited about the New Year.
However, the world continues to deliver setbacks. We have sad news this week about a native son.
Ezra Pouech, 30, was the victim of a tragic homicide on Thursday, December 21, while protecting his girlfriend and her children from the hands of an abuser.
âVermont native stabbed to death in California attack - WCAX
Phil Pouech
I don't have any more information about this incident other than what's in the story. It's touching me especially today because I work alongside Ezra's dad in the State House, Representative Phil Pouech. (His legislative page.)
Like everyone in the Legislature, Phil is a dedicated, hardworking, committed public servant. A cyclist who loves getting all over Vermont, Phil brings his passion for Vermont, both today and in the future, to work on the Transportation Committee. Phil is quick to smile and filled with humility and grace. It's hard to imagine the loss his family is suffering, and my thoughts are with them.
***
Reflecting on why I wanted to share this news with you, the following words came to mind.
The more you know about someone, even the smallest bit, the more you connect.
The more you connect, the more you care.
The more you care, the more you want to know.
The more you want to know, the more you look for ways to contribute and do something for the community you love.
The more you want to do something, the more you rise to the challenge with ideas, energy, and vision.
The more you have a vision, the more it gives you energy.
The more energy you feel in your vision the more the actions you take to rise to the challenge.
The more you rise to the challenge, the more resources find their way to support you.
When people are inspiring those around them to rise to challenges, that's how change happens -- from the grassroots up.
And it all starts with getting to know someone just a little bit more.
***
I'm so sorry for Phil and for every family member and friend connected to this tragedy.
Vermonters are very special people. We've lost a lot of dear ones in 2023. Some in the full of life with their family at their side, but not in Ezra's case, or in the case of many others.
It's not that I will get to write about every death of a Vermonter, but I want to honor the caring, to his own death in trying to protect another human being, of Ezra Pouech.
Caring has a special power, and it starts with taking a small risk of getting to know someone a little bit better.
I know many Vermonters and Americans want a better world but don't know how to help with that. We feel on the outside of a lot of what's going on.
If that feels like you in any way, here's a suggestion.
If you want a "better" world in 2024, however you define that, try once a day simply getting to know someone better.
If you need an excuse, adopt it as a New Year's Resolution to put your devices down and make contact with someone new, or someone old in a new way.
If you need further excuse, say you've adopted it as a duty of a citizen under Article 18 of the Vermont Constitution.
Article 18. [Regard to fundamental principles and virtues necessary to preserve liberty]
That frequent recurrence to fundamental principles, and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty, and keep government free; the people ought, therefore to pay particular attention to these points... [full text of Vermont Constitution]
In honor of loved ones you've lost, what "frequent recurrence to fundamental principles" do they make you consider?
I'd love to hear back on that or anything 2024 in your world.
Best wishes today,
Rep. Tristan Roberts
Halifax, Vermont