I declare this weekend as politics free weekend. No political posts, let’s change the mood and tenor and atmosphere. Only pop culture and stuff that makes you smile. Let’s have a spooky Halloween weekend that can be a diversion to the every day we have faced recently. I am sure folks from across the world would be grateful. Make it positive, light-hearted and other stuff. What do you say?
Should I watch the 3rd United States Presidential Debate? Is it going to make a difference at this time for me or the nation at this point? I think watching it by Twitter or some other way might be good. My mind has been made up for a long time, so I guess I would be better served by watching something else. Maybe I am too chicken and I am afraid that my candidate is going to screw up. To be honest the political cycle this time around has been very caustic and very mean. Let’s see how I feel after watching Survivor: Gen X vs. Millennials on CBS TV.
Seven percent of voters have lost or ended a friendship as a result of this year’s presidential race, according to a new Monmouth University survey…via How many people have ended friendships over the election? – CBS News
Personally I can say I have had some strained friendships and perhaps some relationships that will never be the same because of this presidential election here in the USA. Politics is personal. There are two things you don’t talk about, religion and politics (and sports in some places) in polite company anyway. After November the nation will take time to heal after this brutal cycle. Let’s hope we can all have a cold one after all this is said and done. Reconciliation will be hard but it’s worth doing.
Is it more important to idolize symbols of nationality or to see to it people have equal rights and opportunities for life, liberty and happiness? Respecting an object should come second to actual people who’s lives are severely impacted by the circumstances they face. Many people live in places where they are threatened and don’t have access to the best things community to offer. To me that is more important than anything. To me the right to protest is an important because its tied to freedom of expression. When ones friends and loved ones remain oppressed then its a good thing to stand up for what is really right.
The notion of Unity is a noble one. Bringing people together for a common cause is great but in reality it’s like herding cats. I live in the United States and really its just 50 states who choose to be together under one flag. The same can be said for the United Kingdom. But when you look closer there are differences in culture and customs that make them very different.
Of course politically there is the whole liberal vs. conservative vs. other to deal with and there is little unity to be had there. Even in factions you have sub factions and other smaller groups that fight for their own agenda. In marriage its a union of two people who love each other and it’s probably as close to a good union as you will find. Yet there are couples who go through trauma and setbacks that find strength in turmoil. However they can be easily torn apart.
A united front happens when there are situations that bring people together like what happened on 9/11/2001 for a little while. WW I and II brought my country together in so many ways. People were self-sacrificing, involved and called upon to fill in the gaps while men and women were overseas fighting to win.
At this moment I don’t think my country is united, its way to divided. Too many issues have polarized us, made us suspicious, made us become very tribal and sometimes primal. Our politics has torn friendships and families apart, like during our civil war days. I am finding that some folks want separation, segregation and isolation while others want to be in community and to be challenged.
One day there will be unity and maybe a little utopia too. It will be a day that will hopefully be a time of peace, tranquility and free of conflict. My faith is that day will come sooner rather than later. I am hoping it might happen by our own choice than at the hands of someone or something out of our control.
Today on Facebook I said I would probably stop posting political posts there. After some offensive responses to some posts which led to the deletion of the comments and the un-friending of a person I had known for 10 plus years. Politics is personal and in this cycle in the United States it’s been ugly and is getting uglier. This campaign between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is going to fracture some friendships. No two people agree on everything. But being respectful is what we need in times like this.
Now I support Hillary Clinton without reservations. Sure she doesn’t have a spotless record, who does really. Some squeaky clean politicians surely have a few skeletons in their closet. Most everyone in public life have made some enemies along the way. What Secretary Clinton did for children, families and others inspires me plus she has faith that closely resembles my own.
So, here it is. I will continue to post political material on Facebook. However I will originate it from my blog and cross post the link and a small excerpt there. At least I will try it that way for awhile. My blog is my domain, my turf, my site of record here online. My blog fully bears my name. These are the ground rules, for now. Let’s see how it goes.
The Tony Burgess Blog 