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.
Berick says
Less violence? Certainly.
Unity? No. “We” never were united and shouldn’t be. When that means we all must agree, or that we must disagree so politely that we don’t criticize the other opinions, then you’re talking dictatorship not democracy.
JH says
You can disagree with someone and still work with them to find a place of common ground, of unity. The founding fathers did it, it’s why this country works.
What is happening now, though, is not going to work forever. This antagonism is going to more surely destroy our country than make it work. We are a united states of america. And we can have different ideas while still having respect for each other.
La says
We need to stop ignoring the fact that mental illness IS a real “Illness” and needs the resources and attention that physical illnesses get.
Minimalist Wannabe says
Politicians need to know what the people think…
That said, I think this is the wrong forum for this message.
That’s why it is bringing dissidence amongst us, instead of inspiring us.
flip flop guy says
flip-flop guy here bringing ultra-cool to minimalism. It is all about happiness. Stuff doesn’t make me happy except my flippie-floppies. Enjoying your time that matters. I enjoyed reading your blog and your super-hot.
I’ve been a minimalist and enjoy my life and don’t let society dictate my happiness cause flip-flop guy is ultra-cool.
Laura :) says
Those are words to live by everyday and in every relationship. Too much “me” gets in the way a lot of the time and nothing changes.
I believe the gunman is a mentally ill adult. Sadly, as a society we don’t have compassion for them and services, even if they are desired, are extremely lacking or non-existent and hard to navigate for the healthy let alone someone with a mental illness.
I sure wish the debate the media was having was on care for our nation’s mentally ill rather than on who says what…..so sad.
Abel says
I don’t know about all this unite stuff. The country seems pretty polarized, and when that happens, groups split off. With your paradigm, we should ask to join back up with England. If those early colonialists had just had some maturity and patience, surely they could have solved their issues with the monarchy.
Let people be. Sudan might brea off into two parts, and that would be great. Italy is in this constant state of breaking into north and south. What’s so wrong with the US turning more into Europe? That way everyone in Texas can die of smoke inhalation and gun shot wounds, and everyone in Seattle can die of boredom from being healthy and PC all the time.
I don’t know. The ideas feel “stay together for the kids.”
Jason says
No, it’s more like “Don’t assume those who disagree with you are stupid, evil, raging lunatics.” If you assume the other side is full of intelligent, compassionate individuals with good intentions, you can agree to disagree because you have the same goals, just different ideas about how to achieve them. When you starting imputing evil motives, you get better ratings but you are no longer able to communicate on an even field.
Jackie says
God bless you!
Carolyn says
Less rage, more kindness. Sounds like a simple way to create a better country. Yes, we will never solve ALL problems, but we can stop being so cruel to each other while we try to deal with them.
Living the Balanced Life says
Perfectly said Joshua. And it had nothing to do with politics, it had to do with being a human being.
Bernice
There is a God and it isn’t me
mike says
You need to grow up.
Jason says
Mike, I’d love to know what you think is *not* grown up about this.