Civility and Politics

Oh man.  I really hate election years.  All the name calling, mud-slinging, and lies that takes place is enough to push me over the edge!  He said, she said, they said... who even knows what the truth really is?  The media is completely out of control and now we have social media and comment threads attached to every article out there.  I don't even know who to believe anymore.  I know the truth is out there somewhere, but it's like searching for a needle in a haystack to try to find it.

Why can't people just be who they say they are and do what they say they are gonna do?  Seriously.  How hard can it be?  Have we lowered ourselves so much as a society that truth, honesty, justice, and fairness are becoming myths with each passing year?

It seems like politics bring out the monster in us and turn us into rabid animals.  People are mean and vicious and no belief, person, or institution is safe from the onslaught of attacks.  Nothing is off limits it seems. The contention is about to eat me alive and it makes me want to pack up my family and go hide in a cave until December.  And believe me... if I could... I would.

I think what really bothers me the most though, is the extreme vocalness of the minority opinions.  I don't have a problem with people who are in the minority expressing their views or opinions; heaven knows, I've been in the minority enough times to know what it feels like.  I just wish they didn't have to do it in a way that is so abusive.  There are ways to express an opinion that encourage discussion and compromise and then there are ways of expressing opinion that put everyone on the immediate defense.  I can promise the second tactic never results in change that is positive for the group as a whole.  Whenever a decision is made based on threats, abuse, bullying, or intimidation, the ultimate result will be resentment and anger.  That's never the way to convert someone to a particular point of view.  If anything, it just solidifies the original belief of the person you are trying to convert to your view and shuts off all hope for positive discussion.

I'm trying to be more understanding and listen to what the other person/group is saying before I jump to conclusions.  I'm trying to be impartial and not let my personal feelings obtained by experience keep me blinded from hearing all sides before I make my choice.  I want to be informed with facts and truth, not hearsay or opinion.  I will do this, not just in the political arena, but in my community, congregation, parenting, and work environments as well.  I will step back and take a moment to assess the situation and use logic and common sense to guide my choices.  

Now - if I can just apply all of those things I would like to do, I'd be all set!  I just wish everyone else would do the same thing.  I could use a good dose of civility about now and this is a good way to get it, but we have to do it together.  I guess I'll just have to start with me and hope for the best.