The 2016 election stands out in recent history because there has been such polarization between the two major parties. The nominees from both sides bring out very strong feelings in supporters of both sides. Let me first put my views out in the open, so we can get past that. I support Hillary for her experience, and the fact that she is human. Donald is simply too evil of a person - a misogynistic racist, totally incompetent, very stupid, and hateful of everyone who does not wear a blonde toupee. The worst part is that not only does he not try to hide his vile attributes, he encourages his supporters to indulge in theirs! If they had a cardboard box opposing him, I would vote for that.
Well, now onto what I want to say.
Politics is a process of ensuring proper governance for all. It involves debate and discussion. This is the public stage of our personal choices and thoughts. Paradoxically, it is served best when we keep our personal agenda where it belongs: within us. Religion, loves and hates, stereotypes and fearfulness have no place in how we should play politics.
And that is simply because this is how we ensure governance for the whole. Not just us, everyone. Not only people we like, but all people. And so the decision we make is not for what we would like, but what would enable the best progress for everyone.
All our life, our decisions, actions and beliefs are coloured with what a Harvard professor calls "situatedness",which explains that we always approach every situation from our own individual dynamic platform. A platform that has been built, and is constantly being built, by our life-experiences and learning. Even common sets of beliefs are rendered different because of their intensity, or their leanings. So we have a set of values that are are uniquely ours.
But when we look for our leaders, we must keep these aside. We must think beyond ourselves. We must think of all of those who need what a government can do, and should do, for them.
I have wonderful friends that I love and agree with. But my political affiliation is very different from theirs. Because again, I am not thinking of me, I am thinking of us. I am not thinking of what works with my beliefs, I am thinking of which set of principles will let everyone live their beliefs. That is strongest, surest way I can protect mine, after all.
I might be annoyed by a certain section of people who are not even trying to assimilate into our country, but I understand that just shooing them away is not the best thing to do for a country that is made by immigrants. Not recognizing people just because they are different is not aligned with our commitment to freedom, and to our collective pursuit of happiness. I might not believe in abortion, or agree with gay marriage, but I will fight to defend the rights of others to do as they deem fit.
Looking beyond our own narrow set of values is not a difficult concept - President Barack Obama did it! Our political choices should be made not on what we think, but what the country stands for. They should be based not on what is good for us personally, but on what enables progress for all sections of our society. Our leaders should be picked not on who matches skin tones or gender, but on who will work for a peaceful collaborative world. Our vote should be predicated solely what is most beneficial for the most.
My vote is for whoever stands more strongly for justice, for freedom, for tolerance and acceptance. And yes, this year it is an easy choice. In this presidential election I am standing against the daft raving lunatic who stands for nothing but hate and discord.
I am with her.
Well, now onto what I want to say.
Politics is a process of ensuring proper governance for all. It involves debate and discussion. This is the public stage of our personal choices and thoughts. Paradoxically, it is served best when we keep our personal agenda where it belongs: within us. Religion, loves and hates, stereotypes and fearfulness have no place in how we should play politics.
And that is simply because this is how we ensure governance for the whole. Not just us, everyone. Not only people we like, but all people. And so the decision we make is not for what we would like, but what would enable the best progress for everyone.
All our life, our decisions, actions and beliefs are coloured with what a Harvard professor calls "situatedness",which explains that we always approach every situation from our own individual dynamic platform. A platform that has been built, and is constantly being built, by our life-experiences and learning. Even common sets of beliefs are rendered different because of their intensity, or their leanings. So we have a set of values that are are uniquely ours.
But when we look for our leaders, we must keep these aside. We must think beyond ourselves. We must think of all of those who need what a government can do, and should do, for them.
I have wonderful friends that I love and agree with. But my political affiliation is very different from theirs. Because again, I am not thinking of me, I am thinking of us. I am not thinking of what works with my beliefs, I am thinking of which set of principles will let everyone live their beliefs. That is strongest, surest way I can protect mine, after all.
I might be annoyed by a certain section of people who are not even trying to assimilate into our country, but I understand that just shooing them away is not the best thing to do for a country that is made by immigrants. Not recognizing people just because they are different is not aligned with our commitment to freedom, and to our collective pursuit of happiness. I might not believe in abortion, or agree with gay marriage, but I will fight to defend the rights of others to do as they deem fit.
Looking beyond our own narrow set of values is not a difficult concept - President Barack Obama did it! Our political choices should be made not on what we think, but what the country stands for. They should be based not on what is good for us personally, but on what enables progress for all sections of our society. Our leaders should be picked not on who matches skin tones or gender, but on who will work for a peaceful collaborative world. Our vote should be predicated solely what is most beneficial for the most.
My vote is for whoever stands more strongly for justice, for freedom, for tolerance and acceptance. And yes, this year it is an easy choice. In this presidential election I am standing against the daft raving lunatic who stands for nothing but hate and discord.
I am with her.
