This is not a blog about politics. This is a blog about owning less and living more.
But, like every American, I have been struck by the tragedy of the Tucson Massacre last weekend. Innocent people died that day… good people died that day… a 9-year old girl died that day.
And while the jury is still out on the exact motivation of the killer, one thing became clear during last night’s Memorial Service in Tucson: the United States of America must once again become united. We are one nation. We are one people. We are one piece in the only world we’ve got. And while we need not agree on all points of politics, we must make every effort to pursue unity.
- We need humility. Our specific political party does not hold all of the answers. During my short lifetime, on numerous occasions, both political parties have held significant majorities in government. But our problems still exist. It is clear that no one, single political party holds all the answers. In other words, we need each other.
- We need patience. Our problems did not start overnight. And they will not be solved overnight.
- We need appreciation. Republicans love and serve America. Democrats love and serve America. The sooner we appreciate that fact (and our differences), the sooner we can work together towards a common goal.
- We need to stop assuming intentions. Our nation faces problems – it always has and always will. And good people will always differ on the best solution. But making sweeping assumptions about an opposing viewpoints’ intentions will never move the debate forward. It is the easiest way to discount any valid, opposing argument. It is also one of the most damaging. In fact, in my opinion, it is one of the primary reasons that civility has completely vanished from our political discourse.
- We need maturity. We can not afford any longer to be tossed back and forth by men or women who profit from sharp, stinging, political discourse. Debating politics in the public arena is good and to be encouraged. But dividing the country for the sake of profit is not.
- We need wholesome talk. Remove falsehood, rumors, and gossip. Instead, our words need to benefit anyone who will listen and build up everyone who hears them.
- We need less bitterness, rage, anger, and slander. These attitudes and actions always escalate and only produce more of themselves. They have never resulted in solutions… and they never will.
- We need more kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. Towards each other – in our daily lives and in our politics.
I’m not naive enough to think that the simple application of “patience,” “appreciation,” or “wholesome talk” will solve our world’s complicated problems. But I do think they hold the key to uniting this country once again… or at least, enough to prevent the senseless death of good, innocent people.
And that’s one thing all of us can agree on.
Anne says
Thank you for such a posting. Things have certainly gotten out of hand. I hope that things can be learned from this tragedy which will lead to greater unity. We shall see…
Patrick says
Thank you for posting this progressive statement. It certainly did not alienate me as a European reader. On the contrary. “We” tend to see the US as a country where politicians play the blame game more often than not for their own political gains. Instead of love and trust, money is thrown around and blasphemy is offered and bought cheaply. Unfortunately we tend to copy this behavious over here. It can only be stopped with the right attitude, and I think you are on the right track. But will it become reality eventually or remain Utopia? Who knows…
Josh Cagwin says
Great read and well said.
Heidi says
The whole world took note of 9/11. Tucson is a smaller tragedy only in numbers. Both incidents are the result of persons with opposing viewpoints failing to discourse politely. Every person in a leadership position has been given the opportunity to lead a better discussion and I applaud Josh for taking the opportunity.
Gip @ So Much More Life says
While I don’t think any of the things you list would have made a difference in this case — misguided people will always find someone to follow — the world would be better if politicians practiced unity.
I don’t write much about politics because it is ultimately such a useless endeavor. One commentator — the sheriff in the Tucson area, I think — said that we are rapidly reaching a time when reasonable people will no longer run for office. I wonder if we aren’t already there.
Gip
joshua becker says
Thanks for the comment Gip. I hadn’t heard that quote before. To be honest, I’m not holding my breath about this being an article passed around Capitol Hill. It’s simply a call to civility and unity among the people – after all, that’s where most of us live our lives.
Dan says
Well said, Gip. These points are all common sense for reasonable people, and will come off as condescending to unreasonable ones. The shooter in Tucson was a nut who held no particular political affiliations or even consistent viewpoints. He didn’t looks at a map with crosshairs or get fired up listening to talk radio. He was insane. No amount of polite, tolerant speech would have deterred him. Everyone is trying to take advantage of this situation, including the media. When we feel pain, we must find someone to blame. In this case, sadly because it denies us closure, there is no one to blame but the gunman. “Society” didn’t create him. “Liberals” didn’t create him. “The Tea Party” didn’t create him. A random act of violence happened. It is horrifying and tragic. I pray for the victims and hope Joshua’s pleas strike a nerve. That’s good for the country. It won’t stop insane people from mass murder, though.
Susan says
Well said. Thank you. As a non American reader, it’s great to read something like this to know that all Americans are not arrogant or ignorant.
Lindsey says
stereotypical, much?
Kate says
I’m a USA-American* living in Europe, and yes, there is quite a bit of “stereotypical Ami” attitude here. (Not everywhere, but then again, not all French smoke cigarettes, all Germans chug Bier, and all Italians eat pasta daily…:)
I counter it where I can with humor, and get the most secretly-giggly delight when a native speaker raises their eyebrows after talking with me a while and says something along the lines of, “YOU’RE an American?! But you can talk our language so well!”
Bwahaha, I am a language ninja.
(But seriously) There is also many situations where I have to keep a straight face. Say for example the conversation with teenagers in the train back in 2009, where they were Ami-bashing, and I spoke up with, “You know, they’re also people like you…” To say this, I had to come around the side of the seat and when I saw them, I almost forgot what I was going to say. I saw Levi, Coca-Cola, iPhones, a shirt with Ford written on it, and three out of four feet had Nike on. They weren’t too friendly at first, but a pointing out of the USA brands they were toting might have made an impact. I hope so–because I had to get out at the next station, and wasn’t able to talk more than 10′.
*USA-American? Well…I was once in London, and talked to this man.
“Hey, your accent’s American! What state are you from?”
“…You b*y USA-ers think you’re the entire continent! I’m Canadian, d* it!”
So now I specify, USA-American, Canadian, Mexican, etc. That bite of humble pie made an impression. *sheepish*
Shannon says
Excellent post. I especially think we need less rage and anger, as we can already see by one reviewer’s comment. It tears my heart apart at how awful people can be to each other. Perhaps we could prevent a great deal of tragedy by simply learning to treat each other with kindness. Particularly during adolescence. Thank you, Joshua. I’ll be speaking kinder today because of your post.
james says
Don’t send me this rubbish. If it’s not a poltics blog, they don’t post about politics. Full Spot. Plus you just alienated your entire non-US fanbase. Congrats. Blog unsubscribed
joshua becker says
James, I guess we disagree on what is rubbish and what is not.
scott says
haters gonna hate. :)
certainly a worthwhile post, joshua.
Barb in GA says
One man’s rubbish is, after all, another man’s treasure. And this post is worthy of treasuring. I’m not offended when blogs post about the sad conditions in Queensland, Australia even though they don’t directly affect me and are off-topic for the blog. Excellent sentiments, Joshua.
Mike Reilly says
This isn’t rubbish in the least – it’s a very poignant and significant post concerning a recent tragedy in the U.S. with advice that can apply anywhere. Joshua eloquently states “We need less bitterness, rage, anger, and slander” – I fail to see how anyone can be “alienated” by this.
I’m forwarding the link to this post to everyone I know, in hopes of sharing the message.
Joshua | The Minimalists says
James,
Take the “politics” out of this and it’s still a compelling message filled with several minimalist maxims (e.g., humility, patients, appreciation, maturity, compassion, forgiveness, etc.). It’s really not a political message at all, it’s simply in the context of an American tragedy (one that has made worldwide news by the way, so it does not alienate the entire non-US fanbase, as you say).
Joshua Millburn
Alexis says
I don’t see how this would alienate non-US readers. Some people just need something to gripe and groan about.
Joshua, this is my first time reading your writing, and may I say, this is very good and oh, so true. Hopefully, if any one thing can come from this tragedy, it will be that people– even though they may not agree ideologically– will be more respectful of those around them and will think before they speak.
joshua becker says
Well Alexis, welcome.
Josh N. says
James, WOW! It’s pretty nice outside of the box, you should try it! Great blog and I can’t wait to read more!
Kiri says
Surely what values we choose to live by is be reflected in how we choose to conduct/engage with politics, no matter where we are in the world.
Debbie says
Not the ENTIRE non-US fanbase! I’m still here – for what its worth ;0)
Raquel says
Well, this Canadian is still here and is greatly appreciative of your efforts to inform us of what happened and your opinion on what should/needs to be done by the rest of America/Canada/Australia/Timbucktoo etc etc….rubbish, this post is not; political maybe tending to that side but so what!
Gene says
Another home run.
I second Meg’s “Amen.”
Meg B. says
Amen.