Politicians and we the people support political issues based on our individual sense of right and wrong, agree or disagree. Does right or wrong truly exist when we consider what each of us say, feel and believe as related to any issue is in large part based on our own life experience, our own values and principles, our own perception?
The truth is individual beliefs are real, valid and significant to the individual, regardless of collective agreement or disagreement. We must understand the simple reality that each of us believe what we believe because of our own experience and the validation of others with the same or similar experience. There is no real right or wrong. If we believe it, it is so.
Beliefs reflect life experiences and therefore should be acknowledged and respected. We do not have to agree; we must however acknowledge and respect the beliefs of one another. To dismiss an individual’s belief is to invalidate their personal experience as wrong or wrongly perceived.
We each live, think and process issues as they relate to our own lives. Each of us inherited the gift of free thought from our creator. No one is right or wrong. We simply perceive things differently. We live our experiences and only as we evolve, are we open to the possibility of our beliefs changing… and still that change may or may not ever line up with a consensus in thinking.
Right and wrong as it relates to any issue can only exist when the belief of a collective does not align, but even if it does, as in majority rule, it still would not exist (or matter) as it does not change the belief of the minority individual experience and therefore personal belief…
To unite this country we must dismiss the notion that unity means in agreement or of the same opinion. We must understand that acknowledgement and acceptance of our differing opinions is ultimately, what will unite us. Until such time we are destined to settle very few issues and will understand no one except those that think as we do.
The job of our elected officials is not to change minds or dictate right and wrong. That will never happen. Government is tasked with speaking the will of all people. In order for life to proceed and in the interest of evolving and advancing as a country we must truly listen and acknowledge one another regardless of which side of an issue we may find ourselves.
Let us explore the issues, share our common beliefs and make decisions based on a collaborative effort that best represents the beliefs of all Americans. We must look to what unites us rather than what divides us, for somewhere in between lies our common truth and the answers we all seek. Let us acknowledge, respect and accept the beliefs off all Americans, as they are real, valid and deserve to be heard.
Let us not be right by making others wrong.
The American Evolution
2 comments:
The very premise is about respect. When we will wa all acccept that a conversation begins with two views and a general agreement that while we may not agree in the end, we can respect each other's opinions?
In the end, it will only come with people are held accountable for taking advantage of disagreements to gain an advantage. The slash and burn politics that begin with the first Bush ad on Willie Horton and has mushroomed into a way of life in politics must end.
How can we teach youth respect when too few adults exhibit or practice it?
Hello Richard,
Thank you for sharing your comment.
As to your question... to teach respect, we must start with ourselves, lead by example.
Acknowledge that differing points of view (perception) on issues are valid to each individual, as it reflects their belief based on life experience. That’s not to say you have to agree, merely respect the individual and their point of view.
Start with yourself & others will join you. Be pro-active, bring this awareness to the attention of those who disrespect or dismiss the beliefs and opinions of others.
One voice will soon become many. We can make a difference, but we must start with ourselves.
Thanks again for sharing.
A. Miles
Post a Comment