For Americans and our politics, these last few years--and months--and weeks--have been highly charged ones. Polarization, animosity, hostility, and violence would seem to be at an all time high...if one forgets the Civil War.
Families and friendships have been split and destroyed by political disagreements that a decade ago would have been dismissed with a shrug and a mutual agreement to disagree.
Not so today.
Sadly, most of the so-called news media does not help. The digital age has decimated newspapers. The 24 hour news cycle has brought on an onslaught of less news and more opinion. Sensationalism and bias have once again become the order of the day.
Only a few bastions of well-researched, thoughtful and balanced news coverage remain, and even they are fraying around the edges as they strive to compete for an audience.
Even more tragic: within about five minutes of conversation, I can ascertain from which sources a person gets their news, what their political opinions are, and how well informed those political opinions are, whether I agree with them or not.
Of course, in recent years I've shared some of my own political opinions on this blog. I've experienced a few things, mostly what does and does not work. In business. In life. In society. I'm old enough, but not old. This is not my first rodeo.
As things come to a head with our November presidential election, I think it fair to let you know where I stand. I don't expect to change anyone's minds about anything. However, to offer a nuanced perspective might be helpful.
Above all, I cherish individual liberty. To be free to think, say, and do as you please is a precious thing. It is the foolish who only cherish this after it is gone. There are a large number of people on the planet who have never experienced it. If you can imagine it, they have no idea what freedom really is. To me, this is the ultimate injustice and the ultimate poverty. Not everyone is blessed to live in a democracy, but everyone should have the chance to live under the rule of law.
Second, I think that with freedom comes responsibility. We have an obligation to behave honorably, not just when it is convenient, but especially when it is costly. As a free person, we must be tolerant of those who have a different opinion, or different way of life, or different opinion than ours. We must take the initiative to learn about others, ask about their ideas, and discuss them as much as we can without judging them.
As a free country, we have been and still are the good cop on the block as far as world affairs are concerned. That is the duty history has laid at our feet. It is a responsibility that we must accept. How we do that is often up for debate. That we do it is not. There are too many bad actors in the world who will push in, invade, and destroy other people and countries if we don't hold the line on human rights and democratic norms.
Even with my advocacy regarding individual liberties and tolerance, I draw the line with those who would undermine or destroy our democracy here in the United States. I have read enough history and seen enough life to know what tyranny looks like, even when it poses as something else. I am a gentleman, but I do not suffer fascists gladly. Or at all.
I believe in moderation in government policy. To protect the country without too much aggression or too much timidity. To educate the masses. To care for the less fortunate. To create a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs. And a safe environment for everyone. I see too much extremism today.
I stand on a hill in the middle ground. Rooted in principle. In the coming months, I hope you'll stand with me.
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