So true - so frustrating. You hit the nail on the head - it is easier for some people to believe and incorporate simple generalizations and lies than to deal with the messy and challenging complexity of reality. I am at a loss as to why so many people my age (anyone actually, but more poignantly we older folks) choose to live their lives immersed in a toxic, hate-filled stew rather than see the positive good about the world, including recognizing our responsibility to help our fellow human beings when and where possible. The existence and proliferation of rage- inspiring groups and their supporting media is certainly a reason not only for the rage itself but also for its persistence and virality. No new concepts or observations on offer here, but simply frustration and a sense of lost opportunity for those of us who have elected to make their worlds smaller and meaner. It seems that the values of patience and generosity of spirit have been challenged by or replaced with an overemphasis on and prioritization of individualism in a way that turns it from a value (e.g., when manifesting as self-reliance) to a vice (self-centered, narcissistic, and greed-obsessed attitudes and behaviors). Reversing this trend will take time and active involvement in the everyday opportunities as they arise (when we can do so). You are certainly doing your part in this noble and critically important effort. Thank you.
Yes, devastatingly on target. It's difficult to reconcile people's apparent image of themselves with this inhumane treatment of fellow human beings. It is really unhealthy to just leave that crack in oneself and not face the disconnect. And since we're all together in this society, the disconnect is ours. Thanks for helping us look and not look away.
What amazes me more than the unempathetic attitude of white, so-called Christians is that they theoretical believe in taking the gospel to the world. They spend all kinds of money sending people to other countries and cultures to bring them the word. At our southern border we have a mission field literally at our back door. The white Christian churches should be the first to send people there to bring food, clothing and necessities of life. To help the new immigrants no matter how they found their way here to get housing and jobs and perhaps language teaching to help them adapt. Isn't that what we are called to do as Christ followers? Isn't that what Jesus would do?
Our public library recently sponsored a program that allowed two of our local citizens to share their stories about how and why they found their way to America fifty years apart. One to escape communism in Italy in the early 1950’s, and the other to escape the state sponsored terrorism of Latin America in the early 2000’s. They weren’t great speakers by any stretch but they spoke from their hearts. The evening was inspiring!
John, you wrote: "If it is, I'm going to suggest either one of two things is true about you: either you've been so polluted by the fear peddling, fake news of the MAGA movement that you're no longer able to think critically—or you have no compassion left within you."
Good description of the two types of people in the MAGA movement. There is no hope for the latter--for they would gladly take up arms if TFG ordered them to. But the latter are the lost sheep. In Jesus' time, the lost sheep was Israel under the thumb of the rabbinical religion--the heavy yoke. In our time, it is made up of the lost sheep with christianity, who have listened to lies and have been fed a poisoned faith.
As individuals, apart from politics and religion, they would give their right arm for you. They will bring you cupcakes and do anything to help. I know because I rub shoulders with them at the open mic I host in a very red community. In our open mic, everyone is welcome, politics and religion aren't welcome through the door. And I've gotten to know them. They know my political leaning. But we just share music, and appreciate each other's playing and singing. So I know what kind of people they are.
I care about them. Not the ones who are hate-filled, rage-filled--you will know them by their fruit. Just the good hearted that have been deceived. I hurt for them, because I know how kind they are.
Currently, liberals and blue states have nearly the same opinions on the border as conservatives.
It is essential to recognize, the Obama administration were the ones who deported more immigrants than any administration and also created the kids in cages set-up.
So true - so frustrating. You hit the nail on the head - it is easier for some people to believe and incorporate simple generalizations and lies than to deal with the messy and challenging complexity of reality. I am at a loss as to why so many people my age (anyone actually, but more poignantly we older folks) choose to live their lives immersed in a toxic, hate-filled stew rather than see the positive good about the world, including recognizing our responsibility to help our fellow human beings when and where possible. The existence and proliferation of rage- inspiring groups and their supporting media is certainly a reason not only for the rage itself but also for its persistence and virality. No new concepts or observations on offer here, but simply frustration and a sense of lost opportunity for those of us who have elected to make their worlds smaller and meaner. It seems that the values of patience and generosity of spirit have been challenged by or replaced with an overemphasis on and prioritization of individualism in a way that turns it from a value (e.g., when manifesting as self-reliance) to a vice (self-centered, narcissistic, and greed-obsessed attitudes and behaviors). Reversing this trend will take time and active involvement in the everyday opportunities as they arise (when we can do so). You are certainly doing your part in this noble and critically important effort. Thank you.
Thank you, John, for continuing to be a true spiritual leader and voice of compassion our country desperately needs.
Yes, devastatingly on target. It's difficult to reconcile people's apparent image of themselves with this inhumane treatment of fellow human beings. It is really unhealthy to just leave that crack in oneself and not face the disconnect. And since we're all together in this society, the disconnect is ours. Thanks for helping us look and not look away.
love this.
What amazes me more than the unempathetic attitude of white, so-called Christians is that they theoretical believe in taking the gospel to the world. They spend all kinds of money sending people to other countries and cultures to bring them the word. At our southern border we have a mission field literally at our back door. The white Christian churches should be the first to send people there to bring food, clothing and necessities of life. To help the new immigrants no matter how they found their way here to get housing and jobs and perhaps language teaching to help them adapt. Isn't that what we are called to do as Christ followers? Isn't that what Jesus would do?
Our public library recently sponsored a program that allowed two of our local citizens to share their stories about how and why they found their way to America fifty years apart. One to escape communism in Italy in the early 1950’s, and the other to escape the state sponsored terrorism of Latin America in the early 2000’s. They weren’t great speakers by any stretch but they spoke from their hearts. The evening was inspiring!
John, you wrote: "If it is, I'm going to suggest either one of two things is true about you: either you've been so polluted by the fear peddling, fake news of the MAGA movement that you're no longer able to think critically—or you have no compassion left within you."
Good description of the two types of people in the MAGA movement. There is no hope for the latter--for they would gladly take up arms if TFG ordered them to. But the latter are the lost sheep. In Jesus' time, the lost sheep was Israel under the thumb of the rabbinical religion--the heavy yoke. In our time, it is made up of the lost sheep with christianity, who have listened to lies and have been fed a poisoned faith.
As individuals, apart from politics and religion, they would give their right arm for you. They will bring you cupcakes and do anything to help. I know because I rub shoulders with them at the open mic I host in a very red community. In our open mic, everyone is welcome, politics and religion aren't welcome through the door. And I've gotten to know them. They know my political leaning. But we just share music, and appreciate each other's playing and singing. So I know what kind of people they are.
I care about them. Not the ones who are hate-filled, rage-filled--you will know them by their fruit. Just the good hearted that have been deceived. I hurt for them, because I know how kind they are.
💯💯💯
Currently, liberals and blue states have nearly the same opinions on the border as conservatives.
It is essential to recognize, the Obama administration were the ones who deported more immigrants than any administration and also created the kids in cages set-up.