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I’ve got a million of these side street shots. I keep seeing pretty things as I’m walking along, but I really need to figure out a different want to capture them.
The title of this post is from an article in Science News I’ve bookmarked to read. I just love it’s metaphoric possibilities.
Here’s my opinion about Obama and Rick Warren: When Jon Stewart started inviting conservatives on his show and not only didn’t read them the riot act, he treated them respectfully I was furious. Absolutely furious. But now I like it. It doesn’t mean he agrees with them, and sometimes he will confront them more forcefully, but it’s never in an attack-dog manner. And now conservatives regularly come on his show, and the issues are discussed and every once in a while, there are steps toward a middle ground.
I am tired of all the hate and hostility and divisiveness in our country. We have to start somewhere. A dialogue must be begun. We have to work together.
Look at it this way: how great would it have been if a conservative president had ever invited a gay minister who supported marriage for everyone and civil unions to lead the prayer at one of their inaugurations? I never felt like Bush was my president too. I actually felt like the enemy for eight years. It shouldn’t be that way. If Obama can be all Jon Stewart-y about running the country, I’m for it.
stacy, well put.
Stacy, That made me feel better about the whole Warren thing.
I hope your cat is well again.
Very well put – I hadn’t thought about the Jon Stewart analogy, but it makes sense. I’ve always admired how Stewart handles his guests with conservative views. He listens to them and gives them a chance to explain themselves, but he never backs down or compromises his beliefs.
I know what you mean about feeling like an “enemy” during the Bush years – he never seemed interested in doing his best on behalf of all of us, only a narrow set of interests.
The reactions a lot of people are having over Warren are definitely understandable, but I’m not ready to stop giving Obama the benefit of the doubt. I think his intentions to heal division in our country and get to a point where we can “disagree without being disagreeable” are sincere.
If people who disagree with Obama’s stance on some issues (like his support of equal rights for gays and lesbians) still feel included and like he is their president, too, then perhaps it will bring us a step closer to losing the “us vs. them”/red vs. blue mentality.
You are SO right! I think Obama has been doing a lot toward reestablishing a middle ground. As someone who comfortably lives left of center, it’s a good thing to see the middle return.
Maybe then we can all find some common ground and focus on doing what needs to be done to get this country back on track.
I’m so glad to read these responses. I was nervous about posting that, because I understand very well why people are upset about Warren and I didn’t want to insult anyone.