I'm revisiting a post that remains timeless for me, yet morphs even in a few months time.
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 crossroads 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 of a country, they so want to believe, conceived in righteousness and purity. How we embrace this new horizon of truth and discovery and bring everyone along for the ride is the question we must all ask ourselves.
Correcting a path, balancing power, and repairing wrongs is the blueprint, with the details 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 not easy, especially when pride is so dominant in our culture. Pride is great, but 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, because we are on a collision course with our future destiny. Literally, this is the best of times, these are the worst of times! I truly believe we have recently embraced the worst of times in handing our country over to people who can take advantage of our vulnerability and indecision.
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 as there is no meter to tell you what truth is and what is fiction/fabrication. 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. There are many new on-line/print smaller magazines and journals out there with multi-dynamic prospective. Again, if you’re overwhelmed where to start, just ask.
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. Buy their books, read their social media posts, and go to lectures if you can.
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. I fail miserably many times with those that are pure and simple “button pushers” that really take pride in not really caring, but riling. 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 to learn and practice. 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. They work for us, and we need to demand more of their attention.
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 its value without using it as “the” answer to a discussion. And, most importantly, we are not the greatest country...what? We are a country that strives for great things, there lies the difference. We don’t know it all, matter of fact, we are a very young country that is huge and clumsy. Don’t be afraid of learning from other country’s expertise and experience. We did not, soley, save the world in WW II. Countries worked together to accomplish a great defeat of totalitarian, fascist, racist tyranny. We are NOT that strong. We cannot fix the world and the world cannot fix us. It’s the most difficult struggle always, to act in unity for the betterment of society across nations. Is it possible? I really don’t know, but I don’t mind trying to find out.
I know.... preachy...can't help it 1. I have passionate beliefs
2. I descend from several ministers with strong views😄😎😎😙
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