POLITICS = POLI - MANY + PLUS + TICS - SPASMS = POLITICS

The purpose of our posts are to offer perspective. Seeing life through a different lens allows us to reexamine the conclusions reached previously. Our journey through life should be a progressive thesis. To promote unity we should all feel free to share our thoughts on the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Valuing differences no matter how opposite to our own, opens dialogue, exchanges views and mitigates polarization.  In our discussions, writings and responses we give language to our feelings and fears. It is important to allow one another a peaceful means for expression rather than constantly suppressing the underlying explosions of frustration.

Let's examine some facts. Politics are an ever evolving affair. We live in a time of accelerated innovation and change. As times change so do perception and perspectives. Although progress is inevitable, what may be regarded as progress is debatable. Many of our laws originated as a response or reactions to issues. Laws are not always fair. Thankfully there are politicians. Whether we like the people (politicians) the process (politics) or the effects (policy) does not matter. What is important is the ability to participate. People who appreciate politics have a knowledge of history. Let's paraphrase a famous quote by George Santayana. "Those who don't know or learn from their past are doomed to repeat it." 

What is clear is that we define the climate, the culture and the consciousness of our country through our elected officials. The political parties we affiliate with tend to further characterize our personal position on approaches to issues. Unfortunately, we have allowed various political parties to subvert, control and confiscate certain words like liberal, conservative and progressive. Although national presidential elections seem to be all the rage; it is the shortsightedness of the electorate which creates that impression. People must realize that it is our locally elected officials that represent our local interests in Washington. Try reaching the president of the United States. Compare that to making contact with a city councilman or alderman. Local and county board members, committeemen and assemblymen are accessibly located within our neighborhoods. Our local politics have a more profound and personal effect then the processes in the nations capital.  We cannot blame our presidents for ineffectiveness nationally if we don't provide them with our position of representation locally.

Here are some conclusions.  We can advocate for a system that helps support the less fortunate among us. Providing free or subsidized food, housing and healthcare does not make us socialists. Jesus has been painted as a socialist too! Does socialism pay the same wage to all workers despite how much or how little they work? Labels are the straight jacket style of language used to define and confine beliefs. Some say that to be young and not liberal minded should cause us to question our hearts. Others retort that to be older without having conservative values should cause us to question our brains. Is it alright to offer answers for problems without solutions? We can take a stand on any issue without being extreme. Differing opinions should not polarize or paralyze our positions and thoughts. Crisis generally creates change. Examining and understanding alternate reasoning perpetuates the bonding effect of valuing differences. An open mind does not constitute compromise or acceptance. A closed mind can hinder the development of meaningful cooperative communication. Even if we fail to find middle ground or agree on issues we can find common ground through things others like or believe in. Try art, music or drama; no political agenda is needed to draw, sing or play. Like interests are the prerequisites for like mindedness.