Today we live in a polarized world. People in the “United” States,
perhaps led by the media, have developed strong opinions that, if kept
unchecked, can lead to a destructive division of people. Many of us tend to
navigate to like-minded people. I
certainly do.
Let us consider what might happen if we stay the present course of
polarization. First, I refer you to: http://www.businessinsider.com/2016-election-results-maps-population-adjusted-cartogram-2016-11?op=0#.
What would happen if like-minded people began to move
geographically into places of similar belief while at the same time legislative
power shifted from federalism to one of greater states rights. How long would it take before the “United”
States would begin to dismantle?
Secession is already in the dialogue in states like Texas and Idaho from
the right and Vermont from the left.
But back to home, shouldn’t I be able to have a civil conversation
about taxes, defense budget, Medicaid, Gay Rights, abortion, etc. with my
neighbors without the occasion turning into a fistfight? If so, an “open” attitude must begin with
me. Acceptance
is the key. I must learn to accept
other people as they are, although they may have different beliefs and
attitudes about how they live their lives.
My table must be one around which serious contrasting opinions can be
expressed.
I should expect strong political views to be expressed, disagreement
to occur, but encourage engagement on the level of ideas without condemnation
for those who disagree. If I view those
who express a contrasting view as intrinsically inferior, then I am entering into
dangerous territory. A place of war immerges, instead of a place of peace.
So, I must encourage open discourse with an attitude of “let us agree to disagree without animosity”.
I must create a “safe” place, and, therefore, an important mantra for Merry
Mount must be, “Live, and Let Live”.
CPW
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