Some Pre-Election Thoughts

I think it’s time for us to grow up

I realize that this may well fall on deaf ears, and be as effective as pissing into the wind, but it seems to me that our Nation is on the verge of some kind of civil war. A high percentage of people on both sides of the aisle are concerned about potential violence and other ugliness following the election on November 3rd. Here’s the deal, if we are to be, and continue to be, the United States of America, then We The People are going to have to change the tone of the discourse and our stewardship of this land of ours. We need to expect so much more from ourselves and our elected officials. We need to stop being so infantile. We are still a young Country, and this unique experiment in self-governance is going through, and will continue to go through, growing pains. But several things are clear to me. First, no one political philosophy has all the answers. Disagreement, debate and compromise is how our Country has always moved forward. Second, the level of ugliness on all sides is disgusting. The disparaging nicknames being thrown around to characterize (mischaracterize) people based upon their political affiliations and beliefs is insane. To hold someone as un-American or a threat just because they see things differently from you wreaks of McCarthyism. If our children acted like this we would reprimand them (or we should). Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts. In the end, we need to re-learn how to respect others as people and fellow humans and Americans despite our differences of opinion. Third, we need to stop listening to bald, unproven and unsubstantiated allegations of wrongdoing and conspiracy theories. In law, such talk is labeled “hearsay” and is inadmissible in a court of law, so why do we give this idiocy credence in the court of public opinion. We should demand that if someone makes a claim against another or a group, that they come forward with clear reputable evidence to substantiate their claim. If they don’t, they should be ignored. There are all kinds of cable “news” outlets, websites, Facebook posts, etc., that are pumping out all kinds of inane shit and disinformation. This stuff is tearing us apart. Don’t just blindly fall in line; don’t abdicate the right to think. It is your mind. Don’t let others clog it up with bullshit, and never ever let anyone tell you whom to hate. If something sounds questionable to you regardless of its source guess what, it’s probably crap. This is a great nation founded on worthwhile principles imbedded in the architecture of the United State Constitution. If you have never read it, or haven’t read it in a while, you should really give it a read before mid-night tomorrow. Is it flawed? Of course it is. Anything that is this complex and this young is bound to be flawed. However, this experiment in democracy is certainly worth saving and fighting for. The people who live next to you are your neighbors. The people in the next town over, the next County over, the next State over, are just people trying to do what is best for themselves and their families. For one brief moment put your own ego aside and try to consider the experiences and points of view of someone else. Fourth, regardless of who wins the Presidency, let’s all hope for a peaceful transition of power (whether that remains with Trump or goes to Biden) because that has been one of the true miracles of this Country. Also, regardless of who wins, try not to be an asshole. Try to reach out with an open hand and not a fist. This is a good place this land of ours. It can be that shining example for all the World, but only if we help it to grow and fulfill all of its great promise for all of the beautifully diverse rainbow of people who live here. Finally, would you all just freakin stop listening to MSNBC, Fox News, and all other similar outlets that are just echo chambers for what you may want to hear. If all you are willing to listen to are people who tell you only what you want to hear, then what’s the point. We might as well just throw in towel now and give up our free will. Have faith. I believe in this Country. I’m proud to be here. I’m proud of the freedom and brotherhood that we say we stand for. Let’s just do a better job of actually standing for these ideals. One World/One Love. Peace.