A friend sent me a news article about some elementary children in Rexburg, Idaho that were chanting something about killing President Obama. Another person, in a southern state, talked about removing her children from school for the day because of racial slurs against white children after the elections. People voting "No" on proposition 8 in California have produced multiple protests across the country accompanied with stories of hate crimes/nuisances. People that voted "Yes" have posted blogs, news articles and Facebook status remarks with comments downgrading the gay communities desire to have marriage rights. Of course, these are just representative examples.
It is interesting to watch the strong feelings on all sides. It is really interesting to see that all sides have developed prejudices and very strong reactions when greeted with opposing views or cultures.
My point is that sometimes we, as human beings, can become so self-righteous in our opinions and desires that we can individually, and collectively, end up treating, or reacting to, someone wrongly in the same way we perceive them to be wronging us. Does that make sense?
Personally, I believe that no matter who you are it is wrong to shout out the death of someone leading the country. Talk about creating division and chaos. It is wrong to persecute someone for their skin tone, no matter how light or dark. After all, who got a choice in their skin color? (I personally still wish I was tanner) I believe that no matter what your gender orientation, race, or religious beliefs – it is not ok to persecute another for their choices. I may not agree with the choice. I may be adamant in supporting a cause other than your own. But, going the route of personal attacks can lead to a lot of hate, mis-information and the inability to work toward solutions that work for all. Of course, if someone is blatantly breaking a law and harming others…that is another issue. (I am a Mormon and we went through quite a bit of persecution in our past – it went beyond belief attacks into law breaking)
Right now I haven't seen very many good examples of how to deal with any of the hot topics facing our national issues. However, I do know that applying principles of effective dispute resolution and the "what would Jesus do?" principles would be very applicable. When it comes to Christ, I think He would very strongly present the truth as truth, but wouldn't personally attack individuals in the way that most of us do today.
Perhaps it might be a good time to turn back to these principles and take a few lessons. It would probably melt down barriers that have formed on all sides and come to some workable solutions.
Unfortunately, once any issue becomes political it is rare that the solution will be based upon anything to do with truth, love, or perspective. But, that shouldn't prevent any of us from saying our piece. That's how blogs came about, right?
Ok, I'm done venting.
And I make an end….at least for this moment.
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