Thursday, November 8, 2012

Recycle Political Yard Signs, and Attitudes

While perusing Facebook tonight, I learned our city is offering recycling for political signs. That got me thinking, what else could I drop off in exchange for a healthier environment?

This election season was heated. I live in a swing-state, which is really just a sling-state, and the stuff that gets thrown around isn't of the kindest variety. I'm all for lively discussion when there is a foundation of respect between debaters. I'm also a free speech junkie. But there is another sort of expression that cuts deeply, and the severing of relationships may occur. A good indication that I'm in this sort of discussion is when I find myself saying the same thing over and over. Passion based on subjectivism can boil over quickly, and often I'm not hearing anything other than the blood rushing to my ears.

I try to avoid confrontation, but I do understand the importance of taking a stand, and trying to make a difference in the world. I would never encourage anyone to stay silent in the face of adversity, but I do feel that if I really want to make a difference, I need to start by taking the temperature of my own heart. What really matters?

I'm recycling my political passion of the last several months, hoping I can turn it into something more useful, something that leads to healing. My mouthpiece might make a good earpiece. I'm dropping off my preconceived ideas and picking up an open mind. It's time to reconnect with people based on what we have in common, and set aside my own need to be right.


I love this quote my friend posted today. Her blog is here- From Playgrounds To Politics

4 comments:

  1. I'm true your husband has mentioned this: but Canadian politics is no where near as heated as the US version. Sometimes I lament this when all our politicians seem dull and staid, but mostly I cherish the civility.

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    1. Oh yes, quite true. I wonder if it's because you don't have a FOX News Canada echo-chamber? Or because you do have healthcare and marriage equality and decriminalized pot? The passions down here are intense because people are still fighting for rights to be with who they love, adopt children, get help with mental illness, afford cancer treatment, etc. I need to read some Canadian history, and see how you all got to where you are!

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    2. I think a huge thing is that Canadian's respect authority. I don't agree with the political policies and views of our current Prime Minister but I wouldn't call him names or make personal insults. I'm staggered by the abuse and attacks that politicans and pundits and reporters lob toward the President.

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    3. The hate speech allowed here is pretty tough to hear.

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