3.) The signers of the Declaration didn't act rashly. They tried to work from within, but their attempts to petition for redress, warn, remind, and appeal failed. Today, if conversation at the picnic table turns to politics and an argument erupts, I'll offer to mediate.
4. ) The men who signed the Declaration risked retaliation, yet, to support the Declaration, they pledged to each other their "Lives, Fortunes and …sacred Honor." They had skin in the game. Today, I'm going to write to my congressman about something I feel strongly about. I will not change his mind, but I'll change my attitude from helpless looker-on to someone who acts on her beliefs, albeit in a small way.
When people talk politics at your house, do you raise your voice, raise your hand, take cover in another room, or put on your running shoes and prepare for a long evening?
Happy Independence Day!
11 comments:
Hmmm. I usually put on my noncommittal face and get my running shoes on as soon as possible. But you have made some very good points. I may have to re-think my position on not imposing my view on others. Very good post. Oh, and Happy Independence Day to you, too, Pat!
Hmmm. I usually put on my noncommittal face and get my running shoes on as soon as possible. But you have made some very good points. I may have to re-think my position on not imposing my view on others. Very good post. Oh, and Happy Independence Day to you, too, Pat!
Thanks, Lynette! We can't go from noncommittal to imposing our views on others, so plan to take baby steps and "share: your views. That's my strategy.
Hope you had a happy Fourth!
With some people, there's just no point to doing anything but quietly slipping out of the room, but usually, I try to ask questions in hopes that it will give the other something to think about. But never in an "I'm right, you're wrong" sort of way (those are the people who make me resort to tactic #1, above). Hope your 4th was a good one!
I hope you had a wonderful July 4th celebration, Pat! :)
Hi Pat,
I'm often the captive audience to people forcing their political views on me - I just try to be polite and ignore it - but they insert their commentary into the most mundane conversations and it really gets on one's nerves.
Just wondering what the issue is that you feel so strongly about.
Don't worry, I understand if you don't want to reveal it but as a writer you left yourself wide-open there.
- Patrick
Hi, Jennette,
Asking questions is a very good strategy. It's an especially effective tool for parents, and I'm not surprised your daughter turned out so well.
I remember what a revelation it was to me when I realized my opinions and ideas could be in flux. They didn't have to be fixed; I could change my mind in response to questions, new information, maturity, etc.
Hi, Sheila!
Thanks, Sheila! And how are things in beautiful Alberta?
Hi, Pat,
I feel strongly about many things. For example, I have trouble understanding why legislators are reluctant to push for background checks before gun purchases. I also don't understand Texas Governor Rick Perry's unwillingness to expand Texans' access to health care. It pains me that Texas schools have been shortchanged. At the moment, however, and although I hate the idea of abortion, I'm upset that Texas Republican legislators (mostly men) are determined to limit Texas women who seek to/need to terminate a pregnancy to approximately five facilities in a state that's roughly the size of France (but without the high-speed train lines). It doesn't take much imagination to know some women won't be able to drive, say, 400 miles to an approved facility. Why? Because they drive junker cars, can't get time off work, can't afford a motel stay and/or gasoline, can't leave their other children overnight. The current proposal creates an opening for backroom abortionists, yet this is 2013, not 1953. My religious/spiritual beliefs are not mine to impose on others. I trust Texas women to make the right decisions for themselves and think Texas legislators should be willing to do the same.
Hi Pat,
Thanks for sharing; you're a passionate person with well thought out convictions who speaks her mind. Doesn't surprise me at all.
- Patrick
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