politics – From the Desk of Pennwell Gray

United we stand. Divided we fall.

If my memory serves me well, which sometimes isn’t the case these days, I crafted either a blog post or an article with this same title. It was about politics, I believe, while this post is simply about approaching our daily interactions thoughtfully and respectfully.

Yet what proves true is that this title is a timeless and multidimensional statement.

There are countless topics that divide us in today’s world – religion, politics, sex and gender, to name just a few. Add on illegal immigration, crime, and climate change then we create an even more robust stage of controversy. Frankly, people argue about the weather, take pride in treating people rudely, and find it humorous when they belittle others for peer appreciation that must be fueling some ridiculously low sense of self-esteem – or overinflated ego.

The Poisonous Side of Partisan Politics.

No matter what political party you affiliate with, it should never stand in the way of you being a decent human being.

We can all have our opinions, beliefs, and perspectives. We can be pro-something or anti-anything, yet agree to disagree.

Continue reading “The Poisonous Side of Partisan Politics.”

Some points to ponder.

This evening I heard someone say proclaim that we have every bit of information at our fingertips and people are dumber than ever.

My disclaimer is – not everyone, never everyone.

But I have to agree.

When I’m faced with those who wildly defend a position or who make absolutely no sense when arguing a point, a lightbulb goes off above my head.

They’ve read a headline. They caught a news clip. Or they chatted with someone in line with them at the supermarket, bank, or some random place. Maybe they overheard people talking and walked away with information that they then passed on – nothing substantiated.

That’s how rumors start. That is the definition of ‘misinformation’ if it is not researched, sources cited, and facts checked. Continue reading “Some points to ponder.”

Seek to learn and understand, not judge or ridicule.

On this evening at sundown, Yom Kippur began.

Yom Kippur is a day of atonement, the most serious and holy holiday on the Jewish calendar. As I reflected upon the faith of my Jewish friends and acquaintances, wishing them a good holiday, I was reminded of how little time we spend learning about other religions.

Continue reading “Seek to learn and understand, not judge or ridicule.”

It’s International Peace Day.

How ironic that this day falls during a time when I’ve been solemnly and wholeheartedly considering a cessation of any discussion on politics and religion. No contributions. No participation. Just opting out.

As a writer and a passionate person, that would be hard to do. I live to offer views and perspectives from all sides. I love to engage in lively debates where others don’t see eye to eye (it’s how we learn and grow). I want to hold my values and beliefs, while remaining non-partisan (even when I do need to make a declaration in the primaries, reclaiming my Independent identity immediately after). I want to dive head-first into the difficult, troubling and controversial subjects – yet people are growing increasingly ugly by the second. Continue reading “It’s International Peace Day.”

I’m not only looking up. I’m seeing the light.

T.V. hardly had a place in my life for nearly 50 years. Truth be told, I purchased it only because the entertainment center seemed to ‘require’ one and it would have looked rather odd without that empty space. A lame and possibly pathetic reason, I know, but an honest one.

Then came COVID. My immersion into the world of television was an adventure, one in which I found some enormous value, therefore a constructive way to spend some time. Reading and writing still take precedence, both my pastimes of choice, but I’ve expanded my horizons, so to speak. Continue reading “I’m not only looking up. I’m seeing the light.”

What is wrong with us?

We all like to share a good laugh. Sadly, these days more than ever, our laughter is at the expense of someone else.

No matter what your opinion on the Rittenhouse verdict, the current administration or anything else, the glaring disrespect and crudeness of today’s people is deplorable.

I have a sense of humor and love a good joke. Some of what I see is funny – but it doesn’t make it right.

Why we need Independents. A personal, political perspective.

Most posts start with the disclaimer: This is not political. This one starts with: This is indeed political.

No matter which side of the fence you are on, I’m confident you will find value in this piece. I trust that you will read it with an open mind and contemplate my words with inquisitiveness rather than cast judgment. I will then challenge you to evaluate your own perspective and ask if you truly believe 100% in the party that you subscribe to. Continue reading “Why we need Independents. A personal, political perspective.”