02/01/2017
Even after the election, campaigning continues. Politicians give speeches, shading the truth to illuminate their best side. Everyone links to articles supporting their view or disparaging the other side. There is no lack of intelligent and thoughtful articles on all sides of most questions.
The following phrase, from a different context, came to mind: “In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong.”
Three thoughts come to my mind of what is needed now. One from Lincoln’s 2nd inaugural; “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds;…to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves,..”
Two, a phrase from a book I read in High School which I have always remembered. The character, a senator in the novel, is dying from cancer. He gives his final speech:
“Let us love one another It is all we have left…We are wedded to one another, it may be to our death, it may be to our living. We cannot escape one another, however hard we try. Though we fly to the moon and far beyond, we shall slaughter one another where ' er we meet, as surely on some outward star as here on earth. …. I beg of you, let us love one another!” from A SHADE OF DIFFERENCE by Allen Drury.
The third thought came after seeing a broadcast of a religious freedom conference a few weeks ago and reviewing some of the information presented; “Live and respectfully share your beliefs. Have meaningful, kind conversations with those of differing beliefs. Focus on seeking to understand one another’s perspective and finding common ground that unites you. While such discussions might create some tension, which occurs naturally in any democracy, if you proceed with faith and compassion rather than fear you’ll often discover fair compromises that result in a stronger society"
Regardless of the words and actions of others, I am responsible for what is in my heart. I have strong (and I am sure correct) beliefs on many issues but I hope to always see the truths and concerns that draw others to their beliefs. I never want to be a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions (see the definition of bigot.) I am responsible for what is in my heart and how I treat and respond to others. Bigotry and intolerance for someone whose opinion is different than mine is a sure path to political chaos in the land and internal chaos in my heart.
That said, it looks like amateur hour in Washington D.C. (Just as it has been amateur hour at the beginning of other administrations. Be it Bay of Pigs, Buchanan’s blunder, or travelgate) I pray that mistakes can be learned from and that wisdom rapidly prevails.
