Extra large helping of what’s on my mind

Never in my life have I been afraid or shy to have a conversation with someone. Until now.

Tolerance, these days, is an absolute crock of empty space.

Who am I? Do you know? I will “like” your pro 2nd Amendment post, and have a concealed carry permit. I like small government and my freedom. I like America. I love the military and law enforcement (yes, there are bad eggs), and I’m Christian. I will also “like” your pro LGBTQ+ Pride post, I believe there is systemic racism, I like that there is a transgender woman on the swimsuit cover of Sports Illustrated.

I didn’t want to get the Covid vaccine, but I did. It was a hard decision. And it’s my business. My freedom. I respect your space and opinion. I social distance. I have zero desire to condemn or berate the choices of others.

So, WHO AM I? Does anything I said affect your opinion of me? Are you surprised? Bothered? If so, now what? Can we talk about it? Or did I just flavor future interactions?

I believe there are horrible, evil people in the world. Most “normal” Republicans and Democrats do NOT fall into that category, yet I see words like “idiots” and “disgusting” in posts every day from both sides where hot button issues are being discussed. Certainly national politics and the tumult of the last few years trickles down to us on an individual level, and has fueled certain folks to dig in and defend. BUT. We also have choices AND a responsibility … as individuals, and neighbors, and family, and friends, communities, etc., to MIND our language. Attempt to build instead of bomb bridges.

I believe that the media and rich corporations and many politicians are the biggest reason we’re all in each others’ faces, pointing fingers. And ya know that old saying, that when you point a finger at someone, there are four fingers pointing back at yourself. Do you want to know what I think those four fingers are causing to US? Loss of heart, loss of compassion, loss of constructive discourse. Loss of learning about each other, loss of connection.

Maybe I’m just that terminal Pollyanna, mediator, connector personality. I don’t like conflict in general, but constructive discussions on differing viewpoints are great … it’s when those discussions meander into personal attacks and sound-bites that we lose ourselves to the fray of division again … no progress.

I don’t get deeply involved in politics, because I will never know all the facts about an issue well enough to sit at the table and confidently debate an opposing viewpoint. I don’t want to. I want to listen and learn. I want to form opinions based on listening to people I trust, who don’t bash others. My opinions are subject to change. I’m driven by love and my people … what hurts them and what helps them. What they need. What we ALL need. Subjective? Oh yes. But reasonably so. I will never stop putting love and positivity into the universe. This works for me.