Most of my Blogs are relatively light. I am not inclined to concentrate on things that make me unhappy. But the climate in this country today is just too sad to be endured silently.
We will start with a general description of my approach – as honestly as I can describe it.
I am a Democrat and have been for practically ever. Ideally, for me, that means I think everyone has a right to think whatever they feel is best – NO MATTER HOW WRONG THEY ARE!
Okay. So I’m not a Mother Theresa or a Gandhi. But what I am, I believe, is a person who is able to see how it is possible for really wonderful people to disagree with me. What I am finding, even among some of my closest friends, is a lack of that particular talent – yes – talent. It takes real discipline to look at someone and understand how they can have the same facts available as I have, and still disagree.
Obviously, it is possible! And THAT, is what makes a Democracy a Democracy. You have a right to be wrong! And no one has a right to try to stop you. But the level of hate that is being spewed around our country these days is beyond belief. It is one of the few emotions that is being sent out urgently by both sides of the arguments that separate us.
I do NOT think Donald Trump is good for this country. I don’t know for sure who is. But I know without a doubt that posting a sign that says “Republican lives don’t matter” will not make anything better.
Yes, I actually did see that!
Not only do Republican lives matter, but “Black Lives Matter.” And White Lives Matter and Mexican Lives Matter as do all the other versions of humanity. Some of us have never met a Buddhist or a Hindu but if they vote against what we believe, we are willing to write them off.
This can’t be good for anyone.
I will now ponder the possible reaction to this piece. Possibly I will loose my nerve and never publish it. Unless I can kill anger with a funny line, I don’t know what to do. I fear hate, whether personal or wide spread.
I don’t expect love from the world, or admiration. None of that good stuff. But please, before hate becomes the acceptable answer, let us think about loving our neighbor…no matter what kind of a nut case he/she may be.
Peace out.
Among the Gold 
Oh Betty, Thank you for this! I’m stunned by how our fear of one another seems to drive intolerance of anyone who just disagrees with us. A little respect for the person isn ‘t so difficult — even when we have profound disagreements. We’re becoming too fearful and distrustful to suspend judgment long enough to hear and consider the other side. As one op-ed writer said, how can we argue our side if we don’t hear the other side?
Hate is an ugly emotion. Too bad It has become embedded in our political ideology. No longer are competing opinions worthy of tolerance. It is now you believe what I believe or you are morally corrupt. The ability to compromise on a issue is regarded as a political failure. As a people and country, we have lost our ability to care for one another. Instead we label, deride, insult, and call for violence against each other. How long can a society thrive with that behavior?
Brava, Betty!
I agree with you wholeheartedly. “Unfriending” someone because of a difference of opinion doesn’t make sense.