“No man
can think clearly when his fists are clenched.”
George Jean Nathan
I
often decide to promote a more civil discourse by being more careful about my
communications, in all forms, with all persons – and even with my dog. And
then, something pisses me off.
I
confess that I am hopelessly partisan, but I know that there are a lot of smart
people out there who, respectfully, disagree with me. Just because it doesn’t
make sense to me, doesn’t mean it doesn’t make sense to somebody else; somebody
else who works hard and plays fair, and doesn’t see things from my perspective.
I
try to follow the ground rules I have set for myself: no name-calling, no cheap shots, no arrogance
(probably my biggest challenge), and no wasting time responding to (or egging
on) those who do these things. I tell myself that, if I want more peace in the
world, and a more respectful and dignified tone in our political discourse,
then I have to start with that which I can control – me. I can control nothing
else, and I hereby surrender any delusion to the contrary.
So,
I try not to respond to the constant lambasting of President Obama by the
right, and conservative leaders by the left; although, I make allowances for
political satire and the cartoons of my favorite, Lalo Alcaraz. We do need to
maintain a healthy sense of humor, after all. But I have to admit, I fail often
in my attempts at civility. We are all passionate about certain issues in our
life, but when my passion overcomes my curiosity, I lose sight of the oneness
we share.
My
curiosity challenges me to try to understand why something makes sense to you,
even if it doesn’t make sense to me. It’s not about us trying to convince and
convert one another. It’s about not having to believe that someone is an idiot
just because their viewpoint and mine collide. It’s about learning how to agree
to disagree, respectfully, and in a manner that is fitting for the citizens of
the world’s greatest nation. No one likes to be called immoral on the basis of
how they vote.
And
so, this is a challenge I continue to set
for myself because I want to choose higher; choose light over darkness. And I
not only invite, but encourage, you all to call me to my own new truth when I
am not walking my talk. I love good conversation, and I want to hear from, and
learn from my conservative friends who, I hope, don’t want to think of me as
just crazy, but as someone with a different point of view born of different
life experiences.
See
you in the funny papers!
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