It's Presidents' Day, and in honor of Washington and Lincoln's birthdays, Clay put together some thoughts on politics, playing nice and embracing the opportunity to be involved citizens. I love politics, though I have a ton to learn. And I love being a citizen of the good ol' USA! Ever since my grandpa's 21 gun salute at his memorial service at the Veteran's Cemetery, and witnessing the reverence and respect the other veterans gave their "fallen comrade" and my grandma, I've gotten a little weepy whenever I hear the national anthem. Here are Clay's thoughts:
A very long time ago, a man whom I revere invited us to love both our
neighbors and our enemies and pray for those who seek to take advantage
of us. Every once in awhile I flip through the radio stations. It turns
out that there are people who make a living by stirring up controversy and
hostility. Some radio hosts audibly froth at the mouth and hurl some
pretty damning accusations in the general direction of whoever happens to be on the other side of the fence. The sad part about it is
that there are a lot of people getting
their primary political education from these folks who are constantly
losing control of their mouths and minds on the airwaves. We can rise above this sort of spoon-fed "education," do a little research, and form our own opinions.
This is not a forum for my personal political opinions (and please
keep comments politics-free!) This is to remind us all that our
country is governed by “we, the people.” And that we are basically
good! It isn’t right to feel powerless in the face of decisions that
seem to happen without us. Let’s get involved if we feel like things
are happening politically that aren’t to our liking. But let's have
some class and show genuine love and respect for our brothers and
sisters standing on both sides of each issue. Let's get
information from the source and focus on true understanding and creating solutions.
In an inspiring speech given last year by James Leach the head of
the National Endowment for the Humanities, we hear a sincere plea for
civility:
“In a society as complicated as ours has become, it is
irrational to think that Republicans cannot find some Democratic
initiatives helpful to society and that Democrats cannot from time to
time vote with Republicans.
As for attitudes, the public goal should be to recognize that it is
great to be a conservative or libertarian; great to be a liberal, a
moderate, or progressive. But it is not great to hate. It is not great
to refuse to respect one’s fellow citizens at home and refuse to
endeavor to understand fellow peoples abroad."
He closes by saying:
“Bridging cultural divides and
developing a sense for a common humanity are moral and social
imperatives. Together, we in the humanities are obligated to help
advance an ethic of thoughtfulness rather than conformity of thought,
decency of expression rather than coarseness in public manners.
Civilization requires civility.”
We’ve got to learn to love our neighbors especially if we
disagree. If we are going to protest, let educating our minds be our
primary activism! And for my poor stomach, please turn off the talk
radio! Let us replace fear about the future with faith and hope for
the human family.
about him. I chose the picture of Washington on his death bed, surrounded by his family, as a reminder that we're all, politicians and neighbors alike, human, part of a family with the same basic concerns, fears and loves. And the donkey and the elephant? Just because it's rad!
