My brilliant and politically astute cousin, Hayes Russock posed this question on his Facebook page this morning that had me dive right in with the idea that it would make a powerful inquiry for GMP readers. It goes like this:
“A political riddle…
Here’s the scenario:
You consider yourself an intelligent, kind, and moral person.
You keep up with the news and have come to trust the media you follow. You find that the media geared to the other political party distorts the truth about what is happening or flat out lies to the public. As a result, you are frustrated that folks on the other side of the political aisle are misinformed, or possibly foolish.
You think the government has a variety of things it is supposed to do (eg: protect us, provide for certain services), but otherwise should be run efficiently and effectively, and stay out of your life.
You resent some of the things (and the amount) the government spends its money on, and are aggravated that it ignores some of the things that you deem of high priority.
You feel that when the other political party is in power, your rights are at best threatened, or at worst, legislated against and trampled on.
You know that the presidents we’ve had over the past few years who were of the other party were terrible, and you have an outright hatred for them.
Here’s the riddle:
Are you a Democrat or a Republican?”
My response was this, “Either since each ‘side’ sees the other as being in opposition to their values. I don’t hate this administration. I wish they would ‘wise up’ and see that what they are doing jeopardizes the safety of all life on the planet.”
It is no secret that I am a way left of center, tree-hugging hippie who has never cast a vote for a Republican candidate. I struggle with attempting to comprehend a leadership style that is bullying and authoritarian. I chafe at an administration that is short-sighted, xenophobic, homophobic, and transphobic. I am appalled by a president who is deceitful, sexist, racist, self-aggrandizing, opportunistic, shoots from the hip and whose words and actions remind some of an abusive parent.
I can’t accept an immigration policy that separates families and traumatizes children. I am appalled at the vile language he uses to describe women and people from other countries. I am disgusted at the rampant racism that was condoned when he said that the white nationalists who showed up in Charlottesville with torches ablaze were ‘very fine people’. Every day I wake up wondering what fresh hell has been unleashed that was tweeted about overnight.
As a therapist, I have seen a spike in anxiety and depression among my clients, some that they acknowledge is a direct result of the changes in this country since the 2016 election.
More than that, I can’t wrap my mind around the reactions of people who either look the other way or agree with what provocative statements or actions coming from the West Wing. I long for a day when I can keep from questioning the intentions of people I pass on the street. If someone is overt, by displaying pro-Trump bumper stickers on their cars or decked out in attire that praises him in some way, it is easier to spot. I have been tempted to begin a conversation with a man who works out at my gym who proudly does both. My hesitation is that he is a big, tough looking (think Duck Dynasty) bearded dude. For all I know he really could be a teddy bear who loves his family, volunteers in his community takes care of his elderly parents and picks up litter on the sidewalk.
The reality is, those who see the world through different lenses than I do, feel as justified as I do in holding their position. May I have the compassion to see them in a loving light, without the anger and resentment I feel bubbling up at times. May I beam good mojo their way; admittedly with the idea of helping them to change their mind. What gives me hope on that front is that there are former white supremacists like Christian Piccolini who have changed their tune and are making amends for the harm they caused. I know that I deserve the peace of mind not to be carrying the burden of helplessness. I will continue to show up, stand up and speak out when I witness injustice being done.
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— The Good Men Project (@GoodMenProject) March 10, 2019
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It’s never too early to start talking about Father’s Day on The Good Men Project. We’re looking for sponsors and contributors for our #ModernDayDad campaign. https://t.co/WJvKqq2kTe pic.twitter.com/j66LNCY0VG
— The Good Men Project (@GoodMenProject) March 11, 2019
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We celebrate Gay Pride all year long. But this year, we’re doing some special programing for a large-scale campaign #LoveEqually. We’re looking for both sponsors and contributors. Check it out! https://t.co/tkraXFPxLL pic.twitter.com/X2FlBEZb8Y
— The Good Men Project (@GoodMenProject) March 11, 2019
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