People Before Politics
The 2020 presidential election is fast approaching, and so is the holiday season. This is supposed to be a time for family and friends to celebrate the season, commemorate another year on earth together, and engage in merrymaking and fellowship. However, far too often, time spent together is marred by people arguing about politics, religion or other such beliefs.
This arguing often escalates and ends up damaging relationships, creating a sadder environment for everyone. I’ve seen this happen in my own family and the consequences are long-lasting. People I love are stuck in a feud (fugue!) and I’m stuck in the middle.
If you believe a social issue needs changing, great! Get out there and do the grass roots work to get it on the ballot and convince voters to vote for it. This is how to fight the good fight and enact real change. It doesn’t mean you should go around acting like a clod with anyone who does not agree with you. The best way to convince other people is through an attitude of magnanimity, not hostility. Show and let go. For a great example of honorable people passing much-needed social legislation, look no further than the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges civil rights case which guaranteed the fundamental right to marry to same-sex couples.
There are still many more important social causes to support. Unless you have an army which can defeat the United States Armed Forces, I suggest you learn how to cooperate with people of different beliefs and follow the proper non-violent channels to make your dream a reality. If your ideas have any real merit, you should be able to convince at least some of the people who don’t initially agree with you. This is called “turning the tide”, and it’s hard work!
What’s the deal with “beliefs” anyway? Do people even know in their conscious minds what they believe? I once read a psychological study saying you can’t actually find out what someone believes by asking them. Instead, the only way to understand what they believe is to observe their behavior because much of belief is subconscious.
I wonder if people who are arguing even fully understand the true nature or implications of what they are arguing about. When it comes to my beliefs, I suspect I don’t. I’m sure many of my “beliefs” are missing something – maybe even missing the point!
Are our beliefs based on physiology, experience, observation, deductive reasoning, or something else? How long can we rely on these semi-conscious factors until they betray us? I believe my beliefs are founded on shaky ground.
My beliefs are provisional theories, temporary constructs, or attempts at best practices – but people are real! I don’t care what you believe, but as your friend I’m here to give you a hug, a handshake, a shoulder to cry on, or advice if you seek it.
You know what? I don’t know better than you do. Your guess about these things is as good as mine. My “rights” end where yours begin.
What I do recognize is our shared humanity, our innate value, our potential for good.
Your humanity is more important to me than whatever my beliefs happen to be. I don’t care who you want for president or mayor or neighborhood HOA supervisor or dog catcher. What I know for a fact is that we are sharing a sacred temporary human experience. Let no ideas or philosophies divide our human unity!
Politics is likely a trick the universe is playing on us to see if, in times of strife, we cling to ideas or we cling to each other. On the ledger of my life, I want all my acts to be like those of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas morning. If you have love in your heart and kindness on your lips, you are on my side and I am on your side.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
