Trying to Discover Peace Within the Political & Cultural Mayhem

 

It has certainly been challenging to navigate finding peace and serenity when we live in such a divisive political and cultural environment.

Politically, I’ve tended to be a conservative leaning Independent who supports the Constitution, believes strongly in the Bill of Rights, and that we Americans have a responsibility to vote, follow the rule of law, try to remain open minded, support our institutions, act with kindness and compassion to our fellow humans, and avoid vitriolic rhetoric. I support free speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, the right to assembly, and the right of every  citizen to live without discrimination based upon color, sex, religion, country of origin, disability, or color.

I was taught to respect the office of the President even when I vociferously disagree with that individual’s policies or viscerally dislike the person. 

However, I struggle with certain pundits, media personalities, politicians, gangs, cohorts, universities, unions, states or any organization with a perceived slight that are attempting to undermine our social contracts. 

Anyone who discriminates against those with whom they disagree are violating the Constitution. Antisemitism violates the Constitution. Vilifying people from Israel violates the Constitution. Campaigning to overthrow the very heart of the American government should be considered treason rather than just violent rhetoric. Targeting legal residents that have committed no crimes is against all that we stand for. Making excuses for murder is unconscionable. 

We citizens have the tools to change what we do not like. It is called THE VOTE! There is far too much apathy within the American people. WE THE PEOPLE have forgotten that all politics is local. Failing to cast a vote in primary elections to prevent extremism on both sides leaves us with unpalatable candidates that do not reflect who most of us are: slightly right or slightly left of center. Most of us want common sense leaders that understand that political party should be secondary, at the very least, to the citizens they represent. That means compromise. That means that if one is President, he/she/them have a duty to represent all America s- not just party faithful. That means that each citizen council member, each mayor, each governor, each senator, each congressional representative has a responsibility to protect the entire electorate- not just sycophants.

That is my current frustration. Few appear to understand that responsibility.

Let us hope the pendulum swings.