As we witness the swearing in of our 45th President, I've noticed a disturbing trend in American politics that you can probably trace back to Nixon and Watergate: demonization.
Let me give examples. I did not enjoy Barack Obama as President. I thought he was a weak leader, a poor communicator on Capitol Hill, and was not ready or adequately prepared for the job as President. Those are the broad issues. But he was still the President. If I had a chance to meet him I would say "Hello Mr. President, how are you?" and shake his hand. He did not deserve the ire of those who refused to vote on his appointees, thought he was a Muslim or wanted to take everyone's guns away.
I had my issues with President Bush (Bush 2) as well. In retrospect, he should not have invaded Iraq. He should not have lowered taxes while engaging in two wars. He did not respond to Katrina as well as he should have. But he was still the President. I would shake his hand and ask him how he was all the same. He was unfairly mocked and called horrible things by his ideological opponents, that were unworthy of his character.
Here's the bottom line. I'm not going to tell anyone not to protest or accept Trump's vision as theirs. But I think it's time we stop demonizing each other simply because of a difference in politics. That pinko liberal or redneck conservative you deride could be a co-worker, a neighbor, a family member, or a friend. Being a Republican or Democrat does not equate to someone being a bad human being.
Above all, we need to use our heads again. If there is a topic or issue to be discussed, let us use information we know to be true. Let us reason as to the right solution. And if there's a disagreement, state why and use the same method above for a counter argument.
The government is a reflection of the people they serve. The people are as divided as ever. Is it a surprise that good governance seems to be a rare thing these days? We must care more about our republic if we want to keep it.
My final thoughts: I believe most Americans want the same things. We're just not always in sync on how to get there. The more divided we are, the less hope there is to solve the problems that are paramount to the prosperity of our country.
Let's break the cycle of demonization. If our leaders can't behave, then we can as a people. Let's discuss, let cooler heads prevail. Don't give into anger or hate. Let's be the best we can be in order to attain a more perfect union.
The part in bold was my post. I believe now more than ever, is the time to break this toxic cycle in American politics of blaming, obstruction, demonetization and inaction.
Let me give examples. I did not enjoy Barack Obama as President. I thought he was a weak leader, a poor communicator on Capitol Hill, and was not ready or adequately prepared for the job as President. Those are the broad issues. But he was still the President. If I had a chance to meet him I would say "Hello Mr. President, how are you?" and shake his hand. He did not deserve the ire of those who refused to vote on his appointees, thought he was a Muslim or wanted to take everyone's guns away.
I had my issues with President Bush (Bush 2) as well. In retrospect, he should not have invaded Iraq. He should not have lowered taxes while engaging in two wars. He did not respond to Katrina as well as he should have. But he was still the President. I would shake his hand and ask him how he was all the same. He was unfairly mocked and called horrible things by his ideological opponents, that were unworthy of his character.
Here's the bottom line. I'm not going to tell anyone not to protest or accept Trump's vision as theirs. But I think it's time we stop demonizing each other simply because of a difference in politics. That pinko liberal or redneck conservative you deride could be a co-worker, a neighbor, a family member, or a friend. Being a Republican or Democrat does not equate to someone being a bad human being.
Above all, we need to use our heads again. If there is a topic or issue to be discussed, let us use information we know to be true. Let us reason as to the right solution. And if there's a disagreement, state why and use the same method above for a counter argument.
The government is a reflection of the people they serve. The people are as divided as ever. Is it a surprise that good governance seems to be a rare thing these days? We must care more about our republic if we want to keep it.
My final thoughts: I believe most Americans want the same things. We're just not always in sync on how to get there. The more divided we are, the less hope there is to solve the problems that are paramount to the prosperity of our country.
Let's break the cycle of demonization. If our leaders can't behave, then we can as a people. Let's discuss, let cooler heads prevail. Don't give into anger or hate. Let's be the best we can be in order to attain a more perfect union.
The part in bold was my post. I believe now more than ever, is the time to break this toxic cycle in American politics of blaming, obstruction, demonetization and inaction.
