Sunday, July 16, 2017

A Place to “Live, and Let Live”


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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