Let’s face it: the word “gerrymander” sounds like a cartoon villain anyway. And if Ward Cleaver were around today, he’d be lecturing us about fairness while Wally quietly Googled “how to move a boundary without getting caught.” Meanwhile, the Beaver would just shrug and say, “Gosh, Wally, why don’t they just play nice?”
That’s the problem, Beav — nobody plays nice in politics anymore. We’ve replaced playground chalk with power tools. The map used to be the game board; now it’s the prize.
But maybe there’s some midlife wisdom in this mess: when the lines keep shifting, stop obsessing about where they’re drawn. Focus on how you show up — whether it’s in your neighborhood, your relationships, or your own integrity. You can’t redraw the lines of integrity in your life.
So yes, California might be Jerry Mathering its way through democracy this week (and, let me be clear, I completely understand why they’re doing it and the angst many progressives feel in taking this step). But as the Beav might say, “Gee, Wally, at least we’re learning who the grown-ups really are.” We could use a few more grown-ups in government, right?
Jerry Mathers, the Beaver, is still living!
-Chip
P.S. The Midlife Chrysalis podcast has proven so popular that we’ve expanded to two interviews per week (going live on Monday and Friday) and, starting later this month, we’ll have a short Wisdom Wednesday session with me and MEA’s CEO Derek Gehl offering a microdose of wisdom. Two of my favorite episodes yet just went live with actor Rainn Wilson (Dwight on “The Office”) riffing on soul and Heisman Trophy Winner Ricky Williams (now known as Errick Miron) talking about how we’re meant to evolve our identity as we age.