Yesterday I heard an advertisement for a Chicago political campaign that was about 60 seconds long. The first 58 held a stream of information about how unfit the opponent was. Only in the last two seconds was the candidate's name actually mentioned - it merely said "Vote So-And-So For Congress," without a single mention of qualification. The campaign theme is essentially that anyone is better than the opponent!
The presidential debates reveal what must be a truth about debate strategy - that getting the last word in is the most important thing. More important apparently than respect of people, or time, or rules, or accuracy!
This morning I heard a radio interview that talked about an era where two councils from neighboring towns basically didn't speak to each other.
The election season and politics in general expose the power that fear and anger can have to influence human relationships.
It inspires me to look at the relationships close to me and become determined not to replicate that.
The unknown, and conflicting interests are everywhere.
My nature is to dig in, to win for myself. But strength is needed to be patient, and to win for us both. To speak with respect and hope.
As the same radio interviewee said, "You can succeed in anything that you're enthusiastic about." This fellow was 73 years old, a 34 year veteran of city government.
I believe that. The world and by extension our own lives are better when we strive to model an example of faith rather than fear. Said another way, we reap what we sow.
Today's a great day to get out there and let the darkness of political commercials remind us to be the brightest light we can be.
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