Sunday, July 10, 2016

America, Extremes Are Killing Us.

Polarizing extremism is hurting our country along with those complacent enough to let the extremes divide us.  Before you nod your head in agreement and think “You’re right those (insert party you oppose) are nuts these days…”, think about your own views.  Are they rooted in reason and understanding, are they your agenda or someone else’s?  Are they stances you have thought through or stances that have been passed down to you from preceding generations?  Most of us could benefit from a step back to get some perspective on what is dividing us.

That means you who assumes every black man shot by police is not complying.
That means you who assumes every cop who's had to use his gun was wrong.

That means you who thinks every person proudly waving our country’s flag is a redneck.
That means you who thinks every man in a turban is a terrorist.

That means you who thinks abortion should have no regulations or restrictions.
That means you who thinks guns should have no regulations or restrictions.

That means you who thinks gays don’t deserve the same rights as heterosexuals.
That means you who thinks people aren’t allowed to say they personally disagree with homosexuality.

That means you who thinks #alllivesmatter is racist.
That means you who thinks #blacklivesmatter is racist.

That means you who thinks every Democrat wants to take your guns.
That means you who thinks every Republican wants to control your uterus.

That means you who thinks our government should enforce your religious beliefs.
That means you who thinks every religion but Christianity should be afforded protected speech and practice.

That means you who won’t agree that some on food stamps are lazy.
That means you who thinks everyone on food stamps is lazy.

That means you who thinks all cops are corrupt.
That means you who thinks all cops are standup citizens.

That means you who thinks all Hispanics are illegals.
That means you who disregards some Hispanics are illegals.

That means you who thinks all social programs are a waste.
That means you who won’t admit social programs are being abused.

That means you who thinks all rape victims are liars looking for a payout.
That means you who thinks all rape suspects are automatically guilty.

That means you who thinks all whites are racists.
That means you who won’t admit some whites are racists.

That means you who fights for transgender rights, gay rights, and black rights but won't fight for the rights of those with disabilities.
That means you who thinks a sign on a bathroom door is going to destroy our country or violate your religion.

We must start using REASON.  We must start having EMPATHY.  We must call for JUSTICE AND RESPECT FOR ALL and admit our system is flawed.  We must LESSEN THE RAGE.  We must INCREASE THE UNDERSTANDING.  We must admit we are divided.  We must attempt to rise above it. 

I want to tell you a story...

I want to tell you all a story. It’s about a mom who had two babies 12 months apart. And the second baby was different. He was sad or mad...