And the drum beats on. I have been writing about the need for the nation and our people of all persuasions to come together. But, now, it’s crazy. Bombs are being sent everywhere and Jews are being massacred. This is just in one week! What is going on? People are asking this question everywhere; but, they are not getting the answers they want. Why not? Because they only want their answers with no regard to those of others.
My hometown newspaper, the Public Opinion, ran an article with some interesting insights. One person who was interviewed remarked, “It’s like our country is becoming ‘The Hunger Games.’” The article then goes on to record how people are so weary of the hatred that permeates our society and wonder what will be needed to change it. As one person noted, “If this isn’t it [shootings], I’d hate to think about what it will take.”
Folks, I don’t like to say this, but I don’t think we’re yet ready for this needed change. As the Opinion article said after the requisite remorseful statements were uttered about the shame of this political violence, “politicians and talking heads had already backed into the usual corners.” Meanwhile, the President called for unity while describing the “liberals and press as villains.”[1] The listening public is showing its stripes as well. Casual comments by individuals heard on TV clearly indicate that they are only listening to their talking heads without listening to the same blame sharing by the other talking heads. The names are changed, but the message is the same: it’s the other guy’s fault.
People, it’s our fault. Mr. President, it’s time for you to be a statesman. It’s time for you to lead the nation. You can do this by recognizing how there is enough blame for everyone, including yourself. You must declare how the time has passed where we demand the other fellow solve our problems. Now, it’s time for each of us to ask, “What can I do?” It’s time to reach out and listen to the other guy. What’s that person saying? You don’t have to agree, but you do have to listen. Then repeat back what was said to ensure comprehension. Back and forth; back and forth. It will be a slow process and probably a really ugly one for a long time until the vitriol is gone.
Then, comes the humble pie. When both sides understand each other, a serious effort must be made to consider salient points with care. Humility will require acceptance of good ideas that come from either side where common ground can be achieved. From this dialogue some harmony can be achieved between warring parties.
At this point, such harmony seems to be a long way off. I once read that negotiations (which is what I’m talking about) will only start when people decide that conflict is no longer productive. Judging from what is being said and done, Americans aren’t there yet. I only hope that we pull back from acts of violence before it erupts into full scale war. Remember, that happened once before: it was called the Civil War. Do we need to repeat this lunacy before we harken to the words of Abraham Lincoln when he said, “Of the people, for the people, and by the people?”
I am not totally without hope. The shooter at the Tree of Life synagogue, Mr. Robert Bowers, was wounded. Ironically, after spouting hatred of all Jews, he was attended by a Jewish medical team. Such is the core of their faith: life above all. They practiced it in the face of utter horror. Can we do no less among people whose stated views are different from ours? I hope…
[1] Galofaro, Claire; Beck, Margery A. “Fed-up Americans Crave Unity.” Public Opinion. Chambersburg, PA. October 29, 2018.