(posted by Madison. Written by UNODems Community Chair Brandon Bone)
After a day of registering voters and a night of college democrats, I felt compelled to write another blog. I’m not sure if this is going to become a frequent occurrence for me. I digress. I want to write about the political climate over the last 4 or 5 years and how much disappoint has taken place over that time. My generation is becoming evermore hateful and jaded. It’s a transition that I don’t like. It’s an emotional fire that I want to inhibit, and I want this blog to be catalyst for all those reading – a catalyst that will foster actual political thought. I want this to be something that will allow us, for a brief moment, to put down our swords and think as rational human beings – even if it’s just for this moment.
Former President Bill Clinton made an appearance this past week on Keith Olbermann’s show on MSNBC to talk about the Clinton Global Initiative. Our fine fellow, Mr. Olbermann, decided to take this opportunity to ask the former President about his thoughts on the current administration. Throughout the interview, Former President Clinton did a fantastic job of fielding these questions with a positive attitude. While watching this, President Clinton stated some things that really made me think about my own personal stance and the actions I take to try and achieve my personal political goals.
“What we have to do is to get back to a point, to thinking in America and to promoting honest debate and honest differences. If someone disagrees with you, don’t be snide. Give them a straight up chance to say how they disagree with you.”
-Bill Clinton
I think these are some of the most poignant words that any individual could make with our current political climate. His ability to get back to that golden rule that has been taught time and time again in America speaks volumes as to where our country is headed, and how we have lost our way. Treat others as you wish to be treated. We, as democrats, and as humans, can’t assume that we will appeal to individuals with hate. We also can’t assume that our hate will solve anything. And in essence, by assuming that we ever could, we are lowering ourselves to a level we never wanted to be on.
We are a group of progressive individuals. We can lose sight of that. We will all have our internal disagreements, because we’re individuals… and that’s normal. But we have to remember what key ideals we do share. We need to remember love. We need to remember that this political hate is only stalling our cause; that we’re only turning people away.
I challenge all of your for the next 29 days to go out and speak to your friends who have a different political view, and talk to them about why you think change is needed in America. I challenge you to do this without speaking a harsh word, without spewing hate, and without condescension. I challenge you to love – to take the time to sit and listen to each individual and try to appeal to them with logic and reason rather than hate and malice.
This quote has been used many times before and once already this week, but here it is again:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”
-Mohandas Gandhi
If you wish to see love in the world, show others that love. It may not spread like wildfire, but it will appeal to those who want change. Let your love be their catalyst.
Brandon, you are very correct, and I don’t plan on stopping at 29 days! I’d like to up your challenge to the readers just a bit - revisit kindergarten. Play, appreciate what you have, and if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
I agree with you both.
Coming from a right-wing conservitave, I would have to say that this is what we on the right want from those on the left. I do realize that in my own party, we do have some people that cannot engage in a conversation where difference of their ideology is discussed, and they would be quick to close their eyes and ears to those differences. What bugs me about both sides is that these are the people that want to name call and point fingers rather than discussing rational and logical solutions to today’s problems in society.
Believe me, I studied different governments throughout the world and we have it very good when we look at it for a moment. The problem lies in when people focus on the problems rather than focus on the solutions to the problems.
I think that people on the right do not like discussing politics or morality with the left is because they feel that when they would talk to democrats it would seem that democrats only view the right as “bible-thumping” and judgmental to people who are not of the same moral standard. Therefore, democrats already feel on the defense when talking to conservatives when they need not to be on the defense.
It is not right to morally judge those outside of your religion, and if some christian desides to try to judge non-christians and you see it, tell them to read 1 Corinthians 5:12.
“What business is it of yours to judge those outside of the Church? Aren’t you supposed to judge those on the inside? Let God take care of the one’s outside, you need to expel the wicked from amoungst yourselves.”
I want to see an effort to fully and logically understand political views other than what you either have grown up with or have taken from your peers in High School and college. There is where real growth occurs.