It’s election time. And try as I might, without fail, I can be in mid conversation with someone that I assume believes and thinks the same way that I do and suddenly learn I was dreadfully wrong. Just as soon as I relax and begin to let down my guard a bit and share my thoughts, the one person in the room that I thought would shake their head in agreement comes out of left field and knocks my socks off.
You know what I am talking about. You have been there too. You’d think we’d learn. But no. We just seem to think that those around us think like we do. But that is not always the case.
Although America was built on the premise that diverse thought creates greater good, some folks just aren’t willing to accept that philosophy anymore. There seems to be a new norm of “if you do not think like I do, you are my enemy.” Hmmmmm. Not good. What happened to statesmanship? And how about just plain old respect for each other’s differences. But alas, nowadays, election season is more like gladiator season. (If there even was such a thing in the Roman Empire. But I digress.)
So, an actress, of all people, said something the other night that I really liked. She said, “America is like an eagle. It has a left wing and a right wing. And that is what makes it fly.” Or, at least, she said something to that affect. And I liked it.
As hard as it might be this week, let’s try to remember that it takes both wings to fly. Like the old song says, “Straighten Up and Fly Right.” But then, if you are a liberal, I guess that wouldn’t be your favorite selection. Oh, well, I think you get the point. FIrst: Never assume that the person you are speaking with agrees with you. And last but not least, if your conversation partner is from the other side of the aisle, just let it go. Don’t be someone that wants to cut off the other wing. The last thing we need is to cripple our nation as we enter a new presidential era. Let’s soar.