…and I don’t claim to be. My readers know that I’m quite opinionated, and have no difficulty expressing my opinions. Just because I’ve never written a post about political views, doesn’t mean I don’t have them. Those of you who actually know me know where I sit on that fence, but most of you could only make an educated guess.
Twenty-four hours later, after I’d written that paragraph and a few more in addition, I’ve deleted all but the first paragraph. I was really frustrated yesterday, feeling the need to rant about some totally inappropriate comments people are spreading on social media. Today, I’m choosing to ask for patience in myself (not a strong suit in me, to be sure!) to breathe in and breathe out.
My buttons get pushed the most by close-minded people and by the fact that so many are expending so much energy on the “blame game”. I have my ideas about that, certainly, but as the Pennsylvania Dutch would say, it’s like “closing the gate after the horse has gotten out.” The virus is here. It is affecting millions of people’s health. It is causing a financial depression for all businesses, big and small. No matter whose fault it is, it is here! Our energy needs to be spent in following common sense safety rules, not sitting behind our computer screens lamenting whose fault that is. We, as a people of this world, need more than ever to band together for a common good, not divide ourselves further apart.
I don’t know why this pandemic has become such a political sore point here in the US. It has affected countries across the globe, and social media lets us reach across that same globe, yet I’m not seeing posts from people in those countries fuming about why they are dealing with this virus. They have the ability to look past that and focus on how they can affect changes to deal with, survive, and hopefully overcome this crisis. As a country, the US has always touted itself to be a ‘leader’ and ‘ahead of the times’. Right now, we aren’t walking the walk that proves that.
I’m frightened. I’ve become more frightened for the future of our country than I have about catching COVID-19! This fear for our country from a political standpoint is mentally draining.
Regardless of where you sit on the political fence, I believe you must surely agree that we need to take the politics out of the equation and put our energy into a resolution for all people, despite their political persuasion. You know, the way we did almost nineteen years ago when the events of 9/11 showed that we could band and work together for our fellow beings, period.
I am going to attempt not to let my buttons get pushed by this anymore. Realistically, I’ll be satisfied if I can just move past it without comment.
Wish me luck!
Ramblings and Ruminations 
You opinionated? What? 😮🤨😁 I feel your pain and angst. I share your concerns and trepidations. I, too, choose to focus on what I am doing or saying and less on others. In every crisis we can expect the best and worst of people. And in this one, we have certainly be given much of both. Stay strong, stay safe, stay opinionated! Love you!
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As Mom would say, “That’s the pot calling the kettle black!” LOL Must be a Halbert trait, since we share it! I miss you!!!!! I can’t wait until we can hug again!
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Miss you too sis!!!! And saving all my hugs for you!
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Excellent points. The milk is spilled, now what are we going to do about it?
In Canada we have political rivalry but it is different from USA. I will stop there on that topic. What a huge difference from my viewpoint if there was less negativity and more focus on the crisis. There are good things to report on also, people are doing kind things all over the USA also i am confident.
This is a huge crisis in many countries around the world, lives and businesses changed forever. Personally I can only deal with how I react. I am trying to breathe, get out for fresh air, and only stress about what has actually occurred in my life, not what might.
Sincere best wishes – David
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What an excellent analogy about the milk already being spilled!
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