Politics

Anyone else watching the US election with an increasing feeling of horror?

I'll be honest (and blunt) what I see and hear from our friends south of the border scares the crap out of me.

I do NOT envy my US friends the next 4 months.

I know for many the response is likely to be this:

Sadly that just makes it worse. NOT engaging in political discourse actually allows the bad people to win.

Here is some advice I found online to assist my US pals in engaging in political discourse and in surviving:

1. I only post to social media things that speak to what I am FOR, and only in a way that does not denigrate anyone else or their beliefs (disagreement is not denigration).
2. I only post things that I have researched and reasonably believe to be accurate; not just anything that appears to justify my position.
3. I scroll right by any negative or degrading posts about any candidate – whether they are my candidate or not. I am not responsible for changing anyone’s mind.
4. I speak my truth in political discussions, but I monitor my emotions and exit the discussion when reason seems to be leaving me.
5. If I depart an online or an offline political discussion because it devolves into name-calling or other negativity, I will explain why I am exiting.
6. I study the candidates and the issues, using as many sources as possible, including those that have different opinions than my own. I am accountable for what I post and how or whether I vote.
7. I choose to participate in the political process. I support that which is closest to what I believe in.
8. I hold the highest possible vision for the governance of the world, my nation, my state, and my local jurisdictions.
9. I remain open-minded and willing to give up a position when there is sufficient evidence to the contrary, or when my intuitive knowing clearly points in a different direction.
10. I will hold all politicians to the highest standard for decent conduct, honesty, and integrity.

Good luck - it will not be easy.

Comments

[Winnie Lee]

It started out as a joke, few took his candidacy seriously. Now I shudder to think that Trump could possibly win the election. It is truly scary. Hoping the Democrats and others get out and vote. Sitting in the US on a Sunday night, the whole thing seems like a huge mess. Living in interesting times (a purported Chinese curse).