Very interesting journey, Rita. Appreciate your thoughtfulness, humility and honesty.
Btw, you know more than a lot of people out here; a lot more; trust me.
"We can judge a candidates politics without totally demeaning them and their followers."
Indeed. But sometimes SOME followers deserve criticism.
Let me say this: I agree with a lot of your core position. Many of the schisms out here---dare I say, most?--are largely based in a lack of understanding; which wouldn't be a problem if we were all willing to do what you and I are doing right here and now.
Which is talk; specifically, in a civil, logical, honest and fact-based manner. But for too many people these days, this is too tall of an order (or so it seems). Too many folks think we are mired in an actual culture war that demands loyalty to this or that ideological/partisan tribe. It's somewhat of a kill or be killed mentality. It's kind of crazy.
Like you, I believe we should engage with anyone willing to engage with us in a serious way. We are not THAT far apart. You will never see me clapback on someone who approaches me in a decent way. At the same time, I could never be a John Wood. I do not possess his level of forbearance and probably never will. But I try (more than most if you ask me).
But US politics THESE days is a far cry from John Wood. There is a level of irrationality and incivility, and proud ignorance (for lack of a better phrase), that is just flooding the landscape. And it deserves pushback and sometimes clapback.
Patience and empathy are important qualities, but they are not always the best solutions. I would argue that America has entered a new world. One that requires more than patience and empathy.
Forgive my rambling (couldn't help myself this time).
Thanks so much for your reply to my (overly) detailed and long post. 😊 I appreciate your willingness to read it through and respond! And thank you for your kind words.
"Many of the schisms out here---dare I say, most?--are largely based in a lack of understanding; which wouldn't be a problem if we were all willing to do what you and I are doing right here and now.
Which is talk; specifically in a civil, logical, honest and fact-based manner. But for too many people these days, this is too tall of an order (or so it seems). Too many folks think we are mired in an actual culture war that demands loyalty to this or that ideological/partisan tribe. It's somewhat of a kill or be killed mentality. It's kind of crazy.
...There is a level of irrationality and incivility, and proud ignorance (for lack of a better phrase), that is just flooding the landscape."
I couldn't agree more, Charles. I've contemplated the puzzle of how we find ourselves, as a country, with some people at such deep levels of disdain and hatred for one another??? "Deeply concerned and heartbroken" is an honest description of my personal feelings. A short yet powerful scripture verse became one of my favorites many years ago:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
~ Hosea 4:6
As they say, "ignorance is bliss"... until you have to pay the piper! I am so thankful that I was taught that "being ignorant" is nothing to be ashamed of (ALL of us are ignorant of MANY things) unless I choose to stay that way.
But, taking the time to do our "due diligence" is not something most people care (or know how) to pursue. And often, the demands of just everyday life make it difficult to take the time to investigate more closely the object of our ignorance.
Secondarily, I fear that too many people see "being right" as a standard that helps define their value or affects how others see them. When we look for "Truth" it's imperative to put our ego aside.
Naturally, there's a deeper conversation to be had about BIG "T" Truth and SMALL "t" truth which should change the complexion of any conversation.
I would love to have you join us at one of our BRAVER ANGELS ZOOM Events! The Online Events happen fairly frequently and are always FREE. Visit www.braverangels.org to find a listing of upcoming Discussions (which are always on a wide array of topics). I'll watch for you! 😊
Thanks again, Charles, for your civility and kindness.
Very interesting journey, Rita. Appreciate your thoughtfulness, humility and honesty.
Btw, you know more than a lot of people out here; a lot more; trust me.
"We can judge a candidates politics without totally demeaning them and their followers."
Indeed. But sometimes SOME followers deserve criticism.
Let me say this: I agree with a lot of your core position. Many of the schisms out here---dare I say, most?--are largely based in a lack of understanding; which wouldn't be a problem if we were all willing to do what you and I are doing right here and now.
Which is talk; specifically, in a civil, logical, honest and fact-based manner. But for too many people these days, this is too tall of an order (or so it seems). Too many folks think we are mired in an actual culture war that demands loyalty to this or that ideological/partisan tribe. It's somewhat of a kill or be killed mentality. It's kind of crazy.
Like you, I believe we should engage with anyone willing to engage with us in a serious way. We are not THAT far apart. You will never see me clapback on someone who approaches me in a decent way. At the same time, I could never be a John Wood. I do not possess his level of forbearance and probably never will. But I try (more than most if you ask me).
But US politics THESE days is a far cry from John Wood. There is a level of irrationality and incivility, and proud ignorance (for lack of a better phrase), that is just flooding the landscape. And it deserves pushback and sometimes clapback.
Patience and empathy are important qualities, but they are not always the best solutions. I would argue that America has entered a new world. One that requires more than patience and empathy.
Forgive my rambling (couldn't help myself this time).
Charles,
Thanks so much for your reply to my (overly) detailed and long post. 😊 I appreciate your willingness to read it through and respond! And thank you for your kind words.
"Many of the schisms out here---dare I say, most?--are largely based in a lack of understanding; which wouldn't be a problem if we were all willing to do what you and I are doing right here and now.
Which is talk; specifically in a civil, logical, honest and fact-based manner. But for too many people these days, this is too tall of an order (or so it seems). Too many folks think we are mired in an actual culture war that demands loyalty to this or that ideological/partisan tribe. It's somewhat of a kill or be killed mentality. It's kind of crazy.
...There is a level of irrationality and incivility, and proud ignorance (for lack of a better phrase), that is just flooding the landscape."
I couldn't agree more, Charles. I've contemplated the puzzle of how we find ourselves, as a country, with some people at such deep levels of disdain and hatred for one another??? "Deeply concerned and heartbroken" is an honest description of my personal feelings. A short yet powerful scripture verse became one of my favorites many years ago:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
~ Hosea 4:6
As they say, "ignorance is bliss"... until you have to pay the piper! I am so thankful that I was taught that "being ignorant" is nothing to be ashamed of (ALL of us are ignorant of MANY things) unless I choose to stay that way.
But, taking the time to do our "due diligence" is not something most people care (or know how) to pursue. And often, the demands of just everyday life make it difficult to take the time to investigate more closely the object of our ignorance.
Secondarily, I fear that too many people see "being right" as a standard that helps define their value or affects how others see them. When we look for "Truth" it's imperative to put our ego aside.
Naturally, there's a deeper conversation to be had about BIG "T" Truth and SMALL "t" truth which should change the complexion of any conversation.
I would love to have you join us at one of our BRAVER ANGELS ZOOM Events! The Online Events happen fairly frequently and are always FREE. Visit www.braverangels.org to find a listing of upcoming Discussions (which are always on a wide array of topics). I'll watch for you! 😊
Thanks again, Charles, for your civility and kindness.
Blessings ~