Just a thought, evolving, not yet fully formed, that I wanted to record as I continue to consider it all in the coming days. It might be risky to put this out here cavalierly —maybe especially right now?— without further editing, but I’m doing it.

¯_(ツ)_/¯

(I reserve the right to adjust my outlook at any and all times, as I learn more and grow, dammit. Outlooks should always be open to being reconsidered (strong opinions loosely held and all that?) — and maybe that’s a key to moving forward in life?)

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**Perhaps an early candidate for the theme of 2021:

“Misplaced Patriotism”**

I’d rather turn this phenomenon around and focus it on making the next phase of this democratic experiment a rousing success.

There is much passion and fervor out there. Some is noble in intention, some is entirely reprehensible, but some makes me think of Spinal Tap’s clever-v-stupid observation (sheesh, even writing that makes me wriggle with discomfort in trying to express myself without potentially “both-sides”-ing, but Trump-be-damned (and not just for this), I’m expressing my thoughts, as best I can, such as they are right now).

I have friends who have been influenced adversely (some for years, some more recently). That enthusiasm and resolve can be either a disaster or a blessing depending on how it is “applied”.

One of the hopes I’ve held since Trump was elected (regardless of how that might have seemed at the beginning) has been that we come out of this better. That the inequities (perceived and real) are lessened. That the division and strife (from all perspectives) becomes an inflection point that propels us to do the work to get to the next level. That we see increased action in terms of dealing with racism, economic inequality, the environment, and more, from here on.

The American experiment isn’t over (thankfully). The arc of humanity isn’t winding down. We can go much higher.

I understand caring about injustice, fraud, and the country. Those are excellent things to get riled up about. The right, left, and center care about these things.

It’s been said many times, but no one party has a monopoly on “patriotism” (and white supremacists least of all).

And I understand that the truth can be harder than ever to decipher.

Being in a bubble or echo chamber is the easiest(!) thing. Maintaining a perception and perspective that questions even those closest to us has always been difficult (and always important).

I think we all need to bristle a little less and talk more. And listen more. (And think critically and reflect more.)

Should we all have identical political views? Of course not! Of. Course. Not.

Can we still be cordial and respectful when we disagree? Yes. (And that’s when interaction and respectful discussion is most opportune.) Policies over parties (Washington’s thoughts regarding parties comes to mind)?

Have some encouraged division for their own purposes (to the detriment of us all)? Yes. (For centuries? Yes. (Is being “progressive” a moving target over time? Yes.))

Could those of the right-leaning persuasion overreach (or be manipulated) into fascism? Yes. Could the left? Yes.

Is “the center”, then, the only thing that makes sense? No.

We’re humans. Some seek power. Some seek justice. Some subvert those drives for their own gain. Some are actually altruistic. So we must be always remain vigilant (and when that gets hard to do, that usually means that things have been relatively good, and so we need to be all the more alert).

Should we all be civil in civil society? Yes.

Should we ever punch Nazis? Uh… as tempting(!) as that may be, it is probably best to do other things — except, perhaps, when they are themselves being violent?

Do I have a solid wrap-up for this mess of a brain-dump post right now. No. 😅 Its rambling length should be a clear sign that it was not edited, lol.

Anyway, I’m open to feedback and criticism, so share (nicely, please) if you think you can help me improve my perspective or understanding of any of this.

——

(BTW, writing this all on my phone was painful. Stream of thought while the scrolling was going crazy with every character was YUCK.)