Indivisible
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Over recent weeks, I’ve tried to refrain from sharing my political views as I don’t see my site here or other social media outlets as the place for me to discuss such things, but with the elections nearing here in the U.S., I have to say, I’ll be glad once they’re over.
I know I’m not alone.
Political campaigns seem to bring out the worst behavior from all sides. Toss in social media and the ability to hide behind a screen, or rant off the cuff before thinking about what your words will cause adds another whole dimension to the spectacle. It’s really been a disappointment on several occasions to watch people behave in such hurtful ways.
I know (as I’m married to a very political animal and hear all about details, whether I’d like to or not) that our election process is very important. Matters will be decided on that affect people personally and professionally. I get it. What I don’t get is the need to resort to name calling and hateful behavior, or to put it bluntly, a lack of manners.
That’s not cool.
When it comes down to it, regardless of who is elected as president, we’re electing one man.
A person.
Not a super hero.
Not a saint.
Not a supernatural being.
One man, who will not govern singularly. Thankfully our founding fathers set up a way of government with checks and balances. Sometimes it’s a three ring circus. But, for the most part, it works to balance out any extremism.
I know we all have different opinions about how the world should work. And I appreciate that very much. It makes for a less boring place to live at the very least, doesn’t it? But we can be nice in the process of sharing our opinions. We can be respectful that everyone doesn’t think the same. We don’t have to let our differences be divisive or hurtful.
At least that’s the way I think.
With all of that said, I’d like to take some time over the next couple of weeks to focus on what keeps us united, what keeps us, while individuals, indivisible as a nation. So I’m asking you to share your positive thoughts, and observations about our United States of America and all the things that make us indivisible.
And, for the record, if you want to debate, or hate, or state controversial stuff, go somewhere else to do that. That’s not what this is about here. It’s a free country, right? You’re free to move right along.
Don’t forget to vote!
And remember, be nice.
🙂
I agree that we have a lot more to gain from working together. There are great ideas that need to be explored from both sides of the aisle. What I would love to see is more elected officials who want to do what’s right for the people in the country…rather than an obsession with getting re-elected. Great post, Amy!
yes, I agree, be nice!
This is such a great thing, Amy! Thank you for saying it. I am literally counting the days until November 6 because I can’t stand all of the hatred that is floating on right now. I love this!
I love this!!! Thank you so much!
We are so divided. The political parties in this country have an agenda that escapes me often; it seems less about ‘we the people’ and more about people hungry for power or recognition. What needs to change is to regain that sense of ‘indvisible;’ and it needs to change not just in the hearts of the people voting but those running this country. Once one side is elected it seems that the losing party’s intent is more focused on making it difficult to move forward than working with the people who were elected.
I remember a few years ago a push to ‘throw the bums out’ which was really a symbol of our national malaise regarding politics. Wouldn’t it be loverly to really affect change? Sadly I fear that those who feel that way are already sensible folks…trying to reach those with radical and hateful viewpoints is a task that seems fruitless. Still,, I’m all for a good cause; we have to keep fighting the good fight!
Hear, hear. It’s been making me so sad — my “friends” so determined to shove ideas down the throats of others. I turned off Facebook today, won’t be back until it’s all over. It distresses me just too much that we can’t treat one another with kindness and generosity, that “tolerance” means “Here, read this because I know what YOU should think.” I’ve been listening, alright, but for now, not for awhile again. We’re having a big party on November 3. I’m tempted to put up signs, “Politics Free Zone”.
Be nice. Yes. Amen. Thank you. I shared your post every place I could think of, and was reminded of a little plaque that my Grandpa used to have that said, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” He kept it on his desk at work, and it kept him grounded. We should all remember that it’s important to be nice — no matter what we believe or stand for. Thanks Amy!
Be nice! YES! We can have different ideas without shouting each other down, calling each other names, or ridiculing the side that we don’t agree with. Some of my very favorite people on this planet have very different political views than I do….and guess what? We’ve managed to go through life without shouting and calling each other names.
Also, proclaiming your views on social media against the “other side” with sarcasm and hate really doesn’t change minds. Weird.
PS…I love Ben Franklin. Yay, America.
I’m also married to a political animal and we spend a lot of time talking about the days happenings. I love discussion but hate the stupidity that gets thrown in, I guess we can’t escape it. We should all go back to our elementary school days when we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and were so proud in that moment. Maybe everyone in politics should be mandated to a 1st grade class when they get petty and dumb. Sitting next to a 1st grader while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance will change your outlook real quick. #indivisible
Thank you for writing this post! Living in a swing state, we hear it all day and get non stop phone calls. It is by tiresome! Love the message here.
It is wonderful that we live in a country where everyone has a right to their opinion and also has the freedom to voice their opinion. What I do believe people have forgotten though, put really simply, is the Golden Rule. Not to sound preachy at all, but regardless of your faith, it would be hard for anyone to disagree with, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
I’ve also gotten a sense of where the whole bullying epidemic may be coming from in our nation. It’s not that our children are to blame, just sit back and really listen to what is being said from one person to another (politicians and citizens equally) either in the debates, commercials, or through social media. No wonder so many children do not know a better way to treat their fellow man. The words we say, whether spoken or written in 140 characters, should always be to build another up, never to tear them down.
I love you Amy. Thank you for this. #benice
🙂
Amen Sista!
I could not agree more, Amy. We *must* return to respectful political discourse in this country. I actually remember when we could have differences of opinion without berating and belittling each other. And I hold the media and politicians responsible for the current state of discourse in the country.
You are always so positive and encouraging! Your words are appreciated.
I’m with you. Completely.
Yes! I can’t take much more of the mean things that people say to one another… and don’t get me started on facebook… I don’t even want to log on to see my feed! Everyone needs to just be nice : )
I love this post!!
One thing that has made me really sad about this election is that a lot of those spewing hate and insults are parents. And whether we realize it or not, our kids pick up on what we say and do even when we think they aren’t listening. Jon David has come home from school upset because of things that kids in his class have said about the election or candidates…and I know they are just repeating what they hear at home. We need to set a better example than that!!
I am a back your President kind of gal. It does not matter which side of the politcal arena he is on, I will back him. The hatred that is being spewed right now is out of bounds by the candidates, their political team and people like Ann Coulter and Sara Palin who cannot speak without their racist and ignorant comments.
As Sally said, “Be nice”!
Thank you Amy for your post and I couldn’t agree with you more, I too am married to as you so kindly put it “very political animal” and have for most of this year been subject to hearing his feelings in this matter and occasionally would remind him that we live in a country where we’re free to decide who we wish to vote for base on the information we gather. Like most of you I’ve heard quite enough of the name calling and back stabbing both from some Politicians and media, what interest me most is what each person running for office can do for our country and their plans on how they plan to do it not hear the short comings of their opponents. I wish to add one more thing, in case family should read this, is we’re on the same side, we all want what’s best for us, our children and our children’s children’s. -Deb