My Two Cents About the Political Climate – If It Matters

I’ve been hesitant to share my thoughts because the level of contention, on both sides, seems unhealthy and unproductive.

At the same time, I’m doubtful that this climate is going to calm down anytime soon, so perhaps my perspective will be useful for someone, even if it is only me – to feel better in finally opening my mouth.

I believe:

Each one of us has the right to be heard and that solutions will be found when the fear and anger loses its stronghold – on all sides concerned.

I hope:

This post allows me to be heard, and that what I share will add to the solution and help pull us out of the problems.

A moment of self-reflection:

• Are you hating on the haters?
• Are you racist against racists?
• Are you dividing as you stand against those who wish to create divides?
• Are you creating violence, in words or actions, with the hopes of attaining something other than what you are creating?

You may have answered yes and perhaps feel that your hate, racism, divisiveness and/or violence is okay – because you are right and he/she/they are wrong.

I’m not here to argue your answers. Instead, I propose a further reflection:

• Hate has the same toxic effect and disease causing agents – regardless of right or wrong.
• Racists learn it’s okay to be racist, because they are treated with racism. (How can that be you may ask? Talk to someone who is racist and discover the core fear of being victimized.)
• The poison you are drinking will not kill the other person(s).

I further believe:

• ALL men and women are created equal.
• Each of us deserve to be treated with dignity – whether we agree with each other or not.
• One can feel angry and/or disapproving and still respond with civility.

Finally, my two cents on the political climate:

I will respond when I am sure that I have 100% of the facts, and that those facts are from the most reputable sources.

Unfortunately, because of who my father was, I’ve been made painfully aware the general public has been and is grossly uninformed of what is ACTUALLY happening.

Therefore, my quest must go beyond the media or the hundreds of shared Facebook posts that claim they know what’s going on.

Yet, when the truth comes out, as it always does – eventually… I will respond. When I do, it will be quietly and without demanding, coercing or perpetuating less than honorable behaviors.

I will not call names or talk poorly about others, even if I believe them to be atrocious, because of the effect that ugly type of attitude has on my own wellbeing.

I will remember to treat others the way I would like to be treated, regardless of whether I think they really deserve it or not, because I live my values of honesty and kindness with sincere profundity.

I leave you with this:

Evil is faceless strangers,
living in distant neighborhood.
Evil has a wholesome, hometown face,
with merry eyes and an open smile.
Evil walks among us, wearing a mask
which looks like all our faces.

from “The Mask” Dean Koontz