Protests. Hate. Violence. Distrust. Division.
Such is our world, especially when it comes to politics.
It’s nasty out there. Barbed insults aimed at the heart, cries of ‘Give No Mercy’, and a complete lack of concern about unintended casualties. All those normal, everyday people who gave a friendly smile and wave last year would now rather hit someone over the head with a sign.
Sigh.
I would fear that the world has gone totally bonkers and is doomed, except I read a lot. History most certainly repeats itself. What is happening today is not new, not unique, and also not necessary.
Complacency is the problem. People snuggle into their convictions and get comfortable. They wrap those beliefs around them like a warm blanket on an icy day, and woe to anyone who dares to tug on that blanket.
I, too, have well-loved beliefs. But I try to keep an open mind, so I recently reached across the aisle to contact my congresswoman.
I didn’t ask for much, but I got even less than expected. My outstretched hand was slapped away, and I was sent a form letter that showed that my communication had probably not even been read.
You’d think an elected official would make the effort to unwrap, just a little.