Am I naïve to think that politicians can work together for
the betterment of this or any country?
That they can put aside their petty differences, not taking money from PACs
or Super PACs, but listen to the people that elected them? To do what’s best for the good of all and not
support the greed of the few?
Am I naïve to think that people with different religious
beliefs (be they Christian, Muslim, Judaism, Buddhist, Hindus, Atheist,
Agnostics, Humanist, and any other “ism” or “ist”) accept that not everyone
shares the same beliefs, but that by no means makes them evil, vile, ignorant,
and just plain “bad” people? That people
with different beliefs will accept one another and perhaps work together for
the betterment of society instead working against each other?
Am I naïve to think that people will one day not judge other
groups, whether political, religious, or whatever label is placed on that
group, based upon the actions of a few “extremist” claiming membership in that
group? That people will “judge”
individuals based upon their actions regardless of what group they claim
membership? That the groups who are
damaged by extremists do something to set themselves apart from these
individuals?
Am I naïve to think that one day people will not be judged
based upon their political affiliations, choice of religion or lack thereof,
their socioeconomic status, by whom they love and want to marry, or by their
ethnicity? That we can have mature, open
debate without resorting to name-calling?
If you don’t agree with someone’s beliefs fine, but to lower yourself to
profane name-calling does nothing to support your position. If anything, you place yourself on the same
level with the people who disrespectfully disagree with you. We can disagree with other’s opinions--that’s
the basis of free speech--but can’t we do so with dignity, respect and some
sense of decorum?
So, am I naïve? Yes,
yes, I think I am. But I dream of a
future where I can look back on this time in our history and say, that’s how
things used to be….
