History books have told us that Columbus discovered America, that Manifest Destiny was desirable means to an end, and the Civil War was about state's rights. Today we are at a crossroad where we can no longer justify the past vision of our history. This is creating anxiety, anger, and denial from those who still cling to this old view. They so want to believe it was conceived in righteousness and purity. The desire for this belief isn't wrong, accepting the fact we have been deceived is the answer. How we embrace this new horizon of truth and discovery, bringing everyone along for the ride, is the question we must ask ourselves.
Correcting a path, balancing power, and repairing wrongs is the blueprint. The details have to be worked out along the way. Uncertainty is a word we must accept as our collective reality for a very long time. The response to uncertainty is the difficulty, especially when pride is so dominant in our culture. Pride is a beast unless humility is its counter balance.
Do we, as a nation, have the ability to do this? That question will be answered very soon. We are on a collision course with our future destiny. Literally, these are the best of times, these are the worst of times! It was the best of times, it was the worst of times
I truly believe we have recently embraced the worst of times in handing our country over to people who have taken advantage of our vulnerability and indecision. We have the capacity to turn the ship if we so choose.
I'm just like all of you, trying to do my best, and learn. Here are my suggestions, please give me yours.
The options, if you choice to take them:
READ! Find voices that are speaking truths and presenting options. If you feel my views speak to you, I would be happy to give recommendations on many subject levels. I'm well read across many genres and will let you know if I don't have an answer. I'm pretty good at finding those that do. I'm an eternal student of history, philosophy, politics, and life. But, it's easy these days to find anything on-line. That is both good and bad. It's up to you to decide where your heart lies.
Go to the library, lectures and book signing events! Remember, news articles are the main source of information, be it on-line, or by subscription, BUT the majority of news is soundbites. Very little depth of information is given, thus one sidedness/black and white presentation is easiest. This is old and antiquated! With a bit of research you can dig deep for truths, and many times the truth is mucky and hard to distinguish the more you dig. But, today, dig you must! It's much easier to sit in your comfy chair and tune out. Please, don't. We need you! Even if it's for 30 minutes on the weekend.
Support intelligence!! We are at a very high intellectual time. Yes, we are! There are more in-depth books, articles, pamphlets, websites, historians, philosophers, etc., producing amazing work than ever before. THIS is why there is a backlash against critical thought. There has been no greater time for scholars to question and obtain access to documents and research more easily than ever before. My philanthropy, what I can afford, goes to supporting these people in every way I can. They hold our prosperity in their hands and it's a HUGE responsibility.
DISCUSS! This is tough in this current climate! I would say, pick your battles carefully, matter of fact, try to remember that just because someone says or believes something it doesn't mean it is true. This is the hardest for me. It's not my job to give them truth, it's my job to present questions that will make them evaluate their decisions and believes. The best way is through example, which is the hardest because it takes loads of valuable time. This last one here, is my most difficult learning. I have a very hard time with this!
Politicians say what they think you want to here! Demand they tell you the truth or go away. Educate yourself on topics and face off with them. We must demand more from our taxpayer dollars.
Lastly, be passionate about what you believe in! Yes! Make sure you are versed in why you believe it without relying on religious dogma. You can be very religious, but "the bible" is not an answer and it's not critical thinking AND you can still believe in it's value without using it as an answer to a discussion.
I know....preachy...can't help it 1. I have passionate beliefs
2. I descend from several ministers😄😎😎😙
No comments:
Post a Comment