Honesty, Respect and Collaboration in Politics (What?) Its the Holidays! 🎄 🎅

Twisted "Grinch" Tree of Wisdom

When we read through the news we seem to run into the sensationalism, hyper politics and a laser focus on conflict. At times we come across what appears to be a "feel good" article that is easily discarded as news rubbish. Religion, civil behavior, and reflection are about thinking before acting and learning to treat each other in a way that leads to "togetherness". Everything else lacks time honored wisdom and leads to conflict in its subtle or overt form.

Its hard do sort of get it through people's head that the best way to lead is not always to be louder and demand that either "you are with us or against us" mentality that seems to pander to the radicals on both sides of the isle. Sometimes its about leading people to new conclusions through new knowledge...and a reflection on old knowledge.

Long-term solutions almost never come from galvanizing sides and hyping up distorted beliefs to get one's way. (I have seen that false rhetoric play out through radicalization and spreading of rumors that still create risks for my family and I years after the people intentionally spread them. Laws are sort of thrown out the window when convenient!👿 No embarrassment, no apology, no accountability. Shifting of Risk). We have seen that on a national scale when people busted down the doors of our capital, attacked our officers, and nearly set the nation ablaze. Others are damaging property and getting violent in protest while others are bringing their "guns" to create "peace". (It happens in the context of hyper politics so both sides own some of the blame. I understand that some think its "good fun" and "tail gaiting"!😮)

There are still people in the news today talking about civil war and not embarrassed to say it publicly (Democrats and Republicans). There are people out there trying to "set each other up" with no accountability and even worse social approvals. Language and behavior has consequences, that lead to more consequences, that lead to different kinds of end results. Of which most are unlikely to be helpful or fruitful in the end. So its helpful to change the narrative and the rhetoric to a more positive future. 

Its the holidays and I think we should step back and take a look at where we are and whether or not there truly is going to be a positive outcome to the rhetoric or whether we are sort of stooges in someone else's (in this case some of our politicians) obsession to feel "validated" (Not party specific). 

Anyway....contrary to the normal headlines....there is an opinion article that has a positive message in the Gainesville Sun by Michael Raburn entitled 'Honesty, respect, collaboration and joy should be core values in our politics' that is worth reading. Some might think of it as "feel good" and others think of it as time honored truth. Your personality will likely determine how you interpret it. Just think about the kind of nation you want, how you want your family treated, and what strategically makes sense.

I wonder if our news outlets took a minute to think about subtly promote positive thinking while still being accurate if it would have an impact on our political environment? It sounds stupid but its sort of a social psychology thing. A study entitled 'Plain Texts as an Online Mood-Induction Procedure' seems to believe that what we read  and the language in which we read it does impact our mood.

I know, I know, being thoughtful and saying the truth doesn't win political games! The problem is The United States and our future isn't a game (nor our lives)! Its serious business with serious consequences not only for us but also for the direction of humanity (We are supposed to be a nation of higher order thinking and values.). Where one person wins, everyone else seems to lose. Just a thought. 🤔 Happy Holidays! (Sorry playing with Gifs)

 

31 Quotes To Celebrate Teamwork and Collaboration from HubSpot