Many will read that title and instantly go into defensive mode.
“We must rock the boat to make a difference,” – fair point. “We must protest,” – to each his or her own. “We must cut off from anyone who doesn’t agree with my politics,” – say what?!
When did this nonsense start? To this day, no one knows who I voted for in the Bush / Gore election, nor is it anyone’s business, quite frankly, unless I choose to disclose that info. I have family and friends on both sides of the aisle, as well as impartial centrists known as independents – I refuse to refer to them as ‘unenrolled.’
But when did politics become the only factor that comes into play when associating with people? When did a political viewpoint take center stage and cancel out every positive, selfless, altruistic, and decent attribute a fellow human being has? Why is a party, or lack thereof, or an opinion – no party at all – the sole factor in where someone falls on our judgment scale?
In catching up with a beloved relative last night, the conversation took an interesting turn – or rather, it could have. When sharing the list of volunteer activities she is involved in, she hesitated before saying, “if you want to end the conversation here, we can.” I thought she was looking at the clock and thinking we’d talked long enough but no. It was ahead of her ‘professing’ her passion and involvement in politics to which my response was, “that’s great!”
Why wouldn’t it be?
Voices need to be heard on all sides. People need advocates. Causes need support. Citizens of our country need to remind all politicians that we the people speak, and deserve to be heard. They do work for us – all of us, not just some of us, and God forbid the few who forget the us altogether.
So yes, peace – not politics. Our conversation could have got heated, robust in dialogue and opinions, fraught with frustration and discord. But why?
I was disappointed that my relative thought I’d want to cut our conversation short because of a political viewpoint. I commend her for fighting publicly for what she believes in, and all who do.
The bottom line is the leadership in our country will change, and change again. It will switch from red to blue, blue to red. Each one will sell our country on what they can do for us, how they can literally change our world. But will they? And can they please everyone? No!
It’s up to us every day, how we live our lives and how kindly we treat each other – that’s where the real work happens. Grass roots. Communities. Volunteering.
As my blog promises – daily thoughts, points to ponder, and soulful reflections. This topic deserves more, yet may this brief post be enough to get us all thinking.
