A little perspective
Wow. People are really freaking out today. Jumping around like crazy, or getting ready for the socialist zombie apocalypse. I try to avoid getting too riled up about political issues, for my own sanity, and also because I love a lot of amazing people in my life who have very different political views from my own.
One such person in my life wrote this very eloquent passage about this very issue. I thought you would like it too.
"To all my Democrat friends, congratulations to your candidate, President Obama. He fought the good fight, won and spoke last night with grace and an outstretched hand. To all my Republican friends, congratulations to your candidate, Gov. Romney, for fighting the good fight. He was gracious and humble in defeat.
Now, specifically, to my partisan/activist Republican AND Democrat friends (especially you young guns). This is a teachable moment. At least for today, please, enough of the snarky partisan comments about the other side not compromising, etc. Look at yourselves, are you compromising? Have you personally contacted any of your friends/acquaintances from an opposing political persuasion today with grace and humility? Expressed an understanding of their disappointment in defeat or elation in victory? Small gestures but ones that would go a long way in cultivating the more civil political atmosphere we all yearn for.
Yesterday in an election, we were on different teams. Now, for the time being, consider that we are on the same team. For you own sake and the sake of our body politic, consider cultivating a sense of epistemological modesty in your political outlook. Beware preaching of civility, compromise and not having all the answers, unless you apply it to yourself first."
So how do you feel? Are you reaching out to people in your life who are having different emotions from you today? Do you feel like we are part of the same team?
I love this. SO much :)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. It really is a time for unity and not division, which is what is really keeping this country from progressing. But, I gotta admit, it's pretty hard to keep my "BOOM! IN YO' FACE!" dance under wraps. :P
ReplyDeleteYerps McGerps. I see you doing an old fashioned soft shoe with a hat and cane.
DeleteBTW, I only deleted your comments b/c there were four of the same :)
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ReplyDeleteThanks for this! Just extended some kind words to my three closest family members who definitely are not happy Mr. Romney lost. Hoping to smooth over the tense political waters in my family this way. Wouldn't have thought to do this otherwise, so I very much appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteEmily, I am so happy to hear it! How smart of you, and I need to take my own advice as well, and reach out to my own disappointed family. Thank you for sharing this!
Delete"we are on the same team"....the perfect response the next time I find myself caught in the storm of one of these conversations
ReplyDeleteI know! Such a great way to look at this situation, and it makes everyone feel included in something much bigger than our emotions today.
DeleteI was so looking forward to this election so I could go back on Facebook and not have to "hide" posts from friends that would get me so angry I was likely to post something that wouldn't have been helpful to the discussion. And I'm disappointed that today it seems to be worse than ever. It's OK to be disappointed in the results, I've been there, I know. But as your friend said, now's the time to move on. Everyone needs to remember that compromise means that each side gives a little. Nothing works if one stands stands still and then demands that the other compromise. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI loved this.
ReplyDeleteYes, let's act like the UNITED states of Americans. I've been very inspired by the leaders of NJ.
very, very well written excerpt.. thanks for sharing! politics may separate us, but it can still absolutely be a tool to unite us!
ReplyDeleteThis is so valid. This particular election seemed to be worse than most in the past. I always find it hard to talk about politics on my blog. People get so pissed off! I am a firm Romney supporter and have to admit that I have been pretty depressed today. But that doesn't change the fact that Obama is still our president and we should all pray for him and for our country.
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