This morning I went to vote. It was a local primary election. It carried voting for all are mayoral, councilors and other elected officials. I was excited to get there and to vote. It was and is a beautiful day in our city.
As I pulled up the street, the candidates’ signs were all over the entrance. I had already spent time with a copy of the ballot to review last week, so the signs were not going to influence me one way or another. I got out of my vehicle and headed into the school where the voting takes place. The lines were already drawn if you will as to who stood with what candidates, holding their signs high. Bidding all of them “good morning” I continued on my way towards the building.
I witnessed a small group of people who ran to one of the groups, and heard them denouncing loudly, complete with profanity, the opposition. I was a little surprised, because in all my years of voting I have not had to deal with this type of behavior nor even see people not acting respectfully. It continued on my walk into the school. I gave my name, grabbing my ballot, I headed to where I sat down to fill it out. I could still hear these 2 people declaring their lifelong allegiance to their party and there never “splitting a ticket” thought process. {{more}}
I want to make it clear, as an independent who has voted for individuals of multiple parties, my issue is not with who they were voting for or how they were planning to vote. My greater issue was in a community as small as ours, or any other, the divisionary voices are one of the reasons that there are so many struggles to get things done here or anywhere.
For me this was not about voting, but this was really about a community that I live in though it could be the one that you live in. It was about the need to come together and not be pulled apart by the toxicity of others. Whether it be on Facebook or in a public setting, we need to lift the level of our conversation to a place where while agreement may not be possible, the ability to be honorable towards one another can be attained.
As we get closer to the general election placing us one year away from the presidential election, I continue to make Positive News For You a place of respite and healthy conversation. You do not have agree with me, neither do I have to agree with you, but we can work together to see our communities-at-large benefit more people.
Perhaps I am naive to believe that people can work together even when they are not in agreement about all aspects of the process. But I’ve been on this earth long enough to know that we can collectively develop a spirit of community, that blesses and empowers all people.
While I was initially disappointed with the outburst this morning it will not affect how I will live my life or what I will do to work together with those that I may even oppose for the greater sake of my community.
I have friends from all political parties, all religious, cultural and gender backgrounds. My commitment to each one of them is to treat them as an individual in honor them as we both journey throughout this life.
John Lennon had this to say and to sing…
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.”
John Lennon MUSICIAN, FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE BEATLES
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