Politics, anyone?

This is a post I actually drafted a few years ago and never got around to posting it. As I was reading it just now, all the convictions still ring true, so I thought it was still worth sharing, though some of the political events have now passed.

***************

I have strong convictions. I am not timid about expressing them when it seems appropriate. I find intellectual discussion stimulating. However, I have gotten very weary of the abuse that is flying around on this election year. It seems to stop just short of physical - for that at least I am thankful.

Many people seem to believe the political arena is an appropriate place for all kinds of abuse on those who disagree with them - verbal, emotional, psychological. I am not sure whether the atmosphere is worse this year, or I am just more aware of it; either way, I am frustrated and disappointed with what I read and hear most of the time.

So much of it boils down to two comments, "you're stupid," or "you're mean." A lot of people seem to be talking and few people seem to be listening.

Please! Give me something I can actually dig into with my brain and not my emotions. Give me something I can study, research and discuss. Be willing to engage counter point arguments. It is comparable to a game of tennis - just because I hit the ball at you does not mean I am trying to attack you with it, it just means I am trying to keep up my side of the interaction.

There are those who I am proud to say I enjoy engaging in discussion on matters of politics, spirituality and philosophy, among other intense subjects, and it is not because we always agree. It is because we are able to have conversations that involve facts, and even feelings, without mistreating one another. The ball flies beautiful back and forth, like a beautiful game of tennis; and each opponent is probably in a little better shape from the mental exercise.

I do believe there is true right and wrong. I strive wholeheartedly to seek after what is right, and that is not easy. I also believe there is a lot of deception which means there are persuasive arguments for things I believe are wrong. I believe I do have a responsibility to share my thoughts and convictions to encourage those who agree with me and cause others to who disagree to investigate their position. It also forces me to investigate my own position. Just as important, I also believe I have a responsibility to demonstrate peace, patience, kindness and self-control at all times, whether you agree with me or not. I believe that if you mistreat someone in the process of attempting to persuade them, it is a lost cause, regardless of the principles you are defending.

I can only control myself, and hope to influence my children. But I will not give up peacefully and sincerely voicing the principles that I believe will improve the lives of my family, community and the world.