The phrase No Pain No Gain has been around for a long time and everyone understands its meaning. These words flashed across my screen a few days ago as Alexa streamed a commentary in the background.
By Luca DiMatteo
“…Republicans and Democrats will be holding their collective breaths as each side waits to seize control of the US Congress.”
Coincidence or not, these two seemingly unrelated actions events sent a chill through me.
What my ears heard and my eyes read caused me to unknowingly utter, “No gain, no pain.” I let the words and the commentary melt into a single thought.
Our politicians are playing the short game, waiting to gain control with each election. The tangible outcome is that there are no winners. Ineffectiveness and absurdity beseech our country because of this mentality. We need to find a way to return to looking at the long game that our forefathers hoped would sustain this country. This jockeying for our political system’s power is becoming the ever-controlling factor that locks our government into chaos. What if there is nothing to gain?
Picture a US Congress comprised of two members from each state, one from each major party (in both houses). There would be no looking to Gain an advantage in the next election. Neither side can have a numerical benefit. So, pandering and holding out would make no sense.
The stalemate factor might indeed persist for a few terms. That’s the Pain part of the phrase. However, politicians on both sides would soon learn that working together is the only option. That’s how the No comes to rest in front of the word Pain in the new phrase.
The goal of possessing ultimate political party power would be removed from the governing equation. Imagine no need to redistrict, no restricting access to voting, and no crazy rules and laws, like you can’t give a bottle of water to a person standing in a line waiting to vote.
No Gain, No Pain played out in our election process also gives voters equality. More importantly, voters can have a voice that represents them no matter where they live in whatever state.
No Gain, No Pain; tell me what you think.
Author Luca DiMatteo believes that the written word is not an escape, it’s an adventure.
He was a doctor for over 25 years before retiring. He has spent many years working in and around nursing homes. In addition, he has co-founded two personal growth organizations, had his own column and been published is magazines and newsletters. Luca has been published in Pressenza, The New Haven Register and Aspire magazine. He is a member of the Connecticut Author’s and Publisher’s Association. Throughout his life he has stayed close to the written word and has found a way to make it part of everything he does.
Writing Green Haven, a novel came to him in a dream. According to the author, the story, and its characters became alive. It was as if they were telling the story to him. He admits he couldn’t type fast enough and often went late into the night trying to catch up.
“Stories are pathways leading to great journeys. And journeys are what make up our lives. So, pick as many pathways as you can and enjoy just as many journeys.”
What lies ahead for Luca is his second, third and fourth novels (currently underway) and his co-hosting of a podcast series entitled The Author’s Way.
