Saturday, April 18, 2009

How Did We Get Here?

Over the past year or so, I have been asking myself with ever more urgency, How Did We Get Here? How did we become a nation that is so incredibly divided?

I remember when I was a child, the rule was, "You never talk politics." Years later the new rule became, "Let's just agree to disagree and we can still be friends." Later still the rule became, "You're 100% wrong and I'm 100% right and we shouldn't speak to one another." And Now . . . .Now the rule is, "You're an IDIOT! You're STUPID! WHAT A MORON! I HATE YOU! YOU'RE EVIL! IT'S MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY . . . .NOPE! . . .NO COMPROMISE . . . .MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY!!"

I heard somewhere recently that it is the fault of our politicians that we are in this divided state. After thinking about it, I have come to the conclusion that they may very well be correct. Think about it. Year after year political campaigns have become more vile and filled with the mud slinging. Politicians have chosen as part of their platforms some of the most controversial issues and used them to against their opponents to win elections. They get everyone so worked up and angry with the "OTHER" side, that people actually start hating each other for having opposing views. And its all for their own personal gain . . .And at the expense of our country. Just look at what our elected officials are doing in Washington right now! I see a lot of accusations, finger pointing, no compromise, My Way Or The Highway, even putting down and dismissing American Citizens . . . but very little is being done for the GOOD of the country . . .IMHO.

I have never liked dirty campaigns. They make me ill. But now I'm making it MY Rule that I will not abide any politician who thinks that running a dirty campaign is the thing to do. Sure, distinguishing yourself from your opponent is a must, but we all know that there is Way too much embellishing, stretching and even out-and-out Lying. Some even delve into their opponents personal life.

This is the way "I" think it should happen. You're running for office and your opponent starts running a nasty campaign against you. You correct any false statements and refuse to mention anything other than your opponents TRUE political record . . . .and then drop it and move on to promoting your own platform. GEEEEZZZZ!!

We have got to find our way back to each other somehow. I know the divide is so deep now. I don't really even know where we should begin, other than being willing to truly listen. We have GOT to find a way to bring COMPROMISE back into the mix. I totally FEAR what will happen if we don't.

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