playground politics

I've noticed recently that many members of the Republican party are playing politics with the environmental and economic disaster due to this catastrophic oil spill off the Gulf.  These antics are their way of retaliating for their president's (Bush) accusal of being responsible for natural or man-made disasters that may or may not have been directly under his control, and for his seemingly apathetic responses towards said events (i.e., Katrina; War on Terror).  Some are even going so far as to label this current oil disaster "Obama's Katrina."

Of course, many Republican supporters or sympathizers are quick to point the finger at past rhetoric of the Democratic party and members of the media who continually picked apart President Bush's personal and political perspectives and policies (admittedly, some comments may be warranted and some may not).  Both parties, instead of working together (with the exception of about, maybe, say, all of five people), continually look for opportunities to point out flaws (even to the point of complete exaggeration, and, honestly, what I would personally consider a lie) of their opponents in an effort to appeal to the emotions of their party's base supporters and to gain re-election.

This information is not new to many of us.  We're all well aware of how each party uses messages of hope, change, bipartisanship, lower taxes, universal healthcare, you name it, in order to appeal and appease our emotion in an effort to translate that emotion into the action of voting for that particular candidate... even though we know we've been disappointed time and again, we keep hoping that this one is different.  That this one candidate knows how I feel in my middle-class life; this candidate not only knows and understands my struggles, he/she has been there and can feel my suffering.  He/she really has the guts to make a real difference in our community and really will work on the behalf of his/her constituents.

But once the hype, the excitement of democracy at work in electing our chosen, our favorite, candidate into office dies down, once the confetti has been swept up, the champagne consumed, and time of inauguration celebrations have passed; and once the true intent and inter-workings of non-transparent government affairs come to alight... we recognize the deceit.  We retaliate against our leaders.  We point fingers looking for someone, some party, some media outlet, some group of individuals to blame.  We roll our eyes in disgust over groups of individuals who stand up against our government in whom many of us faithfully believe will carry us through; will work tirelessly on our behalf; and who will not rest nor let anyone get in their way of helping those in need.

Then begins the process of perpetuating the cycle of blame.  Like a bunch of juveniles trading barbs in a schoolyard brawl, our politicians taunt each other with false accusations; accusations that are grossly misjudged, deliberately misinterpreted; and carefully omitted facts from public debate.  Information then seeps into various media outlets.  This information then gets passed along from individual to individual leaving trails of bitterness and anger in its wake.  Do we question this information?  Do we judge its source?  No.  Instead we look for outlets, ways to vent our frustrations towards others instead of thinking introspectively about what we've read, what we've seen, and what it all means. 

We judge an entire party or group as deviants, unproductive, trifling based upon the obvious ridiculous accusations of a handful of dissenters.  We then become unwilling to listen to any legitimate, reasonable discourse that other members may have to offer.  Do we have the audacity to sit back and blame our political leaders when we're guilty of doing the very same with one another?

An excerpt from Naomi Wolf's Give Me Liberty states that each of us as Americans are responsible for our freedoms, not those who we elect to office:

"...when we quietly go about our business as our rights are plundered, when we yield to passivity and switch on the Wii and hand over our power to a leadership class that has no interest in our voice, we are not acting like true Americans.  Indeed, at those moments we are essentially giving up our citizenship." (p. 6)

Wolf also sates that America is a state of mind, "a set of attitudes and actions, not a nationality or a posture of reflexive loyalty... [it's] people who have crossed a personal Rubicon of a specific kind of and can longer be satisfied with anything less than absolute liberty." (p. 5)

We, the people, must be more responsible in questioning the actions and motives of our political leaders whether or not they were our candidate of choice.  To do anything less, isn't and shouldn't be the American way.

taking the time to listen (without bias)

Everywhere I look, I keep hearing people with conflicting economical and social philosophies raging against each other.  Those who are integral to our law making processes speak in political sound bites that spark divisiveness against every day American citizens.  Those who choose to listen, mainly pick a side in the "battle" (usually based upon personal experiences) and stay there.  "These people," by choosing to remain glued to one side, are only able to understand the concerns and ideas of that one side.

It amazes me that I'll hear remarks from someone who claims to be a "Conservative" (with a capital "C") will complain that "those northern Latte Liberals" are being unjust in their motives and continue to call them names berating them for their "ignorance" and "racism."  Then I hear from "Liberals" that those "ignorant," "uneducated" Conservatives (who, I'm guessing are all in the "Slow South" because, God forbid, any Conservative would migrate north of the Mason-Dixon line) are saying that all Liberals or Progressives are "evil Marxists" who want to take away their gun and property rights and bring Socialism to the U.S. and portraying President Obama as our Socialist Leader.  

Unfortunately, we cannot seem to get past our own victimization in order to see that we're also the ones victimizing others as well.

Recently, I posted a comment on a Facebook post in agreement to the published article with hesitation towards methods to use in order to convey the correct messages based upon facts.  Within moments I was "attacked" by a handful of people who later realized that we were all on the same page.  Although, one was kind enough to apologize for her unwarranted response, it really made me realize that we have all become so defensive in our beliefs and convictions that we're looking for arguments where, if we were to actually stop and listen to one another and tried to comprehend each others' concerns, none would exist.

a different perspective

Recently, I attended a meeting for a small non-profit organization.  During this meeting, we discussed the subsequent year's budget.  We were informed, of which many of us were not aware, that this organization contributes a significant dollar amount annually to another non-profit with whom many members were affiliated.  Due to the current economy, it was getting increasingly difficult to come up with this set dollar amount, and that if we didn't take steps to continue the fund, we could see our costs, as members and customers, increase.

The moment that really stood out for me was when someone asked what specifically did this set amount cover and if we, as customers, could review an itemized statement before making any final decisions.  The speaker and other leaders present were unable to answer this question.  The money was spent on whatever the recipient thought was best for the organization and its customers.

It was interesting to see the reactions of others in attendance when this person questioned the budgeted amount.  Some looked annoyed - it was late and they just wanted to go home.  Some perked up and were interested in the answer as well.  Some were not in the least bit concerned.  After all, they trusted this organization and it's leaders to do what was best for its members.

These reactions really got me thinking: are we are often too trusting of those who have fiscal authority?  After all, this amount has been in the budget for years, we've been paying it all this time, why question it now?

What if we were to actually see line item statements detailing each transaction on behalf of its members?  Would we find areas where we feel that our contributions (our money) are being wasted?  Would we find areas where we feel we could contribute more funding, thereby willing to sacrifice our already-stretched earnings for the greater good?

Perhaps, for many, it's easier to put our faith and trust into those we've elected to positions of fiscal authority and not question motives or require proof that our contributions were being spent efficiently and effectively.  Our small contributions and nickle-and-dime purchases here and there in addition to our annual fees seem insignificant when spread out over a period of time.  What's a few dollars here and there? 

If we were to choose to remain content in our ignorance, and when costs slowly begin to increase, do we have the right to put all the blame onto those we've entrusted with our collective fund?

If this was our personal fund, how would we behave then?  What steps would we take to eliminate waste?  How would we budget our current assets?  How would we take steps to save for our future and for those of future generations?  Are we spending our money on necessary purchases?  Do these purchases really enrich our lives, make us better people, make us more educated; or are we finding ourselves deeper indebted to others, continually struggling to not get any more in the red than we already are?

Now take this scenario that's isolated to one small organization, one single household, and magnify it to millions of individuals, households, local/state governments, federal governments across just this country alone.  Sometimes all it takes for change to occur is to gain a different perspective.

irony of independent thought

Are we as a nation, a people, truly capable of independent thought?  Upon childhood, we are instilled with the fear of authority.  First and foremost, we must obey, never questioning those who have our best interests at heart.  As we progress, this pattern of submissive behavior, for many, seems to stick.  It becomes easier to endure life within the safe confines of the mediocre, of being a follower rather than taking initiative to become a leader of others, let alone a leader of our individual thoughts and actions. 

Those who are aggressive enough to assert their voice, belie their critical thought which are subconsciously (for some; however, deliberate for many others) portrayed through actions.  We expose our true intentions, feelings, criticisms in ways that penalize true independent thought, yet at the same time we label those who share our own opinions as "free thinkers."

How can the human race evolve to the next intellectual or social plateaus if we refuse to engage ourselves in empathy (towards others; not always thinking of ourselves as being the victim of prejudice conduct)?  How can we engage in empathy if we willingly close our minds to change, being content with complacency in the conventional?  How can we move forward if we choose to ignore and degrade "rantings" of "lunatics"?

In this sense, we become agents in fostering hostilities, bitterness, anger.  By making fun of people, calling them names, marginalizing opinions that differ from our own, even if they appear, to us, to boarder on the absurd and ignorant, we are making the choice to stifle the legitimate, concerned voices of others.

Perhaps, there are individuals who are unwilling to go beyond the boundaries, the restrictions, that they have placed upon themselves.  Inhibiting themselves from true self-expression, admonishing themselves for taking the risk of deviating from those ideals in which they believe, in which they can have total and complete control.  These ideals have become their norm, a comfort zone, if you will.  Something that can be defined, manipulated, understood.  The way to deal with these people (ah, yes, again... these people... because we are the open-minded ones, aren't we?) is not through admonition or ridicule, but through reason, logic, and proof.  To do otherwise is to enrage, to fan the flames of doubt and fear.

We don't always have to agree with everything we hear, but we should always be willing to listen without the interference of bias.  To ask questions for clarification.  To attempt to be civil in conversation and debate.  Who knows, we may actually learn something that could radically revolutionize our naiveté.

perfection is a journey

We are so vain that we even care for the opinion of those we don't care for. ~ Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

For many years this quote has haunted me.  Every now and then a situation will occur, a conversation overheard, will recall the quote to my remembrance causing me to evaluate myself and the actions of others, asking the question: why do we care so much what others think about us?

Vanity:  Pride... in excess... deceiving lack of real substance or soundness or genuineness.

I can't help but wonder if our vanity-worship, interconnected with greed, is the major factor in why we, as fallible beings, care too much for others' acceptance that we've overwhelmed ourselves with debt.  Yes, I know, we have so many wants and needs that our meager salaries cannot maintain.  Believe me, I understand.  Alas, my own yearnings for attaining yet more shoes can only be met through visual aquisition.

This is how the cycle perpetuates itself: we see, we want, we buy... now!  Work, family, relationships, every day life stresses us out, so why not treat ourselves?  A simple cost-benefit analyis, right?  The immediate benefit, or gratification, far exceeds that tiny little monthly payment on a credit card statement.

I understanding the concept of wanting to maintain manageable budgets for affordable luxuries.  I get it.  I've been there.

However, what confounds me is why when times get tough, wages shrink, and we can no longer afford our affordable luxuries, that we look for someone to blame?  I listen to our politicians arguing on our behalf, the American Middle Class, and, like you, wonder how could they possibly know what it's like to live here in the middle? 

But can I blame them entirely for my financial problems?  Sure, I believe Greenspan should've left the interest rates alone allowing the free market to run its course; however, Fannie, Freddie, along with a slew of other financial institutions didn't force people to purchase homes, cars, take trips that they couldn't otherwise afford. 

Our mistakes are our own: our responsibilities.  We can't even sit back and blame government for the lack of disseminated information due to the tremendous resources that can be found on the Internet [and, yes, everyone who has access to a public library more than likely can access the Internet and computer classes for free].  The information is there.  We need to be proactive in asking questions and searching for information.  We cannot expect for it to fall upon our laps.

Our own insecurities, our shortcomings, our desires for moving up that socio-economic latter compelled us into borrowing artificially cheapened money to purchase those McMansions, those ostentatious vehicles, the kiddies' private school education, designer labels... you get the picture.  You know, those people (not us, of course).  We care so much about what others think of us that we didn't stop to think how our actions here in the middle lined the pockets of the very ones we continue to blame for this whole economic mess.

I'm reminded of some very powerful words of Thomas Jefferson:

"...I love to see honest and honorable men at the helm, men who will not bend their politics to their purses, nor pursue measures by which they may profit, and then profit by their measures... Greediness for wealth, and fantastical expense, have degraded, and will degrade, the minds of our citizens... Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold..."

It amazes me that here we are so many years later and these words still have relevance.  We may have evolved technologically, but people still remain, inherently, the same. 

I challenge you, as I am continually challenging myself, to stop worrying so much what others think of you.  Don't blame others for your mistakes or misunderstandings.  Let go of that bitterness of the unfairness of life.  Be yourself.  Your worth is not measured by your neighbors' material possessions.  Be an inspiration to others.  Take root of that one thing inside of you that is all you, hone that skill, that talent; read more about it, make it yours.  Take small steps in making an effort to break yourself from from societies' labels that others have placed upon you, and that you have adopted as your own.  Be confident  in yourself, yet humble enough to know that no one will ever reach perfection.  Perfection isn't a goal, it's a journey to a destination of self-actualization. 

introduction

I've finally done it: created a blog.  For some time now I've been contemplating foraying into the blogosphere.  What do I have to say... that people want to read?  Do I want to put myself out there risking exposure of vulnerability?  Do I have what it takes to compose abstract thought into print?  Divulging personal ideas, ideals, concepts, being able to take criticisms (even those deemed constructive), stimulate minds (including my own) in debate.

Reason.  We all like to believe we're capable of analytical, objective thought; however, in reality, we don't engage in it individually as often, if at all, as we expect others to do.  This blog is a challenge to me (an online journal, or journey, if you will) and those who choose to read my convoluted notions.  My mission is to encourage objectivity, have an open mind, and to participate in meaningful debate or dialogue about a variety of issues: internal conflicts, relationships, politics, society, current events, family, culture, religion, the arts, and everything in between.

Please feel free to leave constructive, informative feedback after each post.  Follow my blog updates on Facebook and interact in online debates on the discussion boards.  I just ask that, while I do value freedom of speech, please be mindful of rude, inappropriate behavior and language (i.e. name-calling, curse words, etc.).  I'm not particularly offended, but some readers may be - Thank you for understanding!

This blog isn't intended to gripe about "the system," or to bad-mouth individuals and organizations.  It's intentions are to inspire others to be willing to view people, circumstances, everyday life from various perspectives: to remove the individual from the situation looking through the lens of objectivity with an added touch of creativity.  This is my approach to recreating, or at the very least, capturing even a mere smidgen of the essence of The Enlightenment through the context of today's "modern" society.

I don't claim to be some highly-educated intellectual with a superior IQ.  Just someone humble enough to admit that I don't know or comprehend life's complexities, aspiring to challenge, stimulate the senses, educating myself on issues, associations, surroundings.  Always questioning... everything.