Over time we all see our communities shift from one sort of
identity to another. Why this occurs varies from time to time and whatever is
current in social circles. It may be an art form that swells from nothing to a
major medium of sharing emotion and outlook. Or it may be a rash of horrendous
weather that simply focuses our attention on survival, safety and comfort.
At other times we see ourselves different than before
because of a popular TV program (Friends, M.A.S.H., et.al.). Then too it is a
global event – good or bad – that cements our attention on broader things: 9/11
was such an event, as well as its aftermath of terrorism felt worldwide.
Not always agreeable, these occurrences spark talk, discussion
and debate. What does the event mean? What can we do about it? Are we safe or
at risk? Do we take extraordinary steps to protect one another? Or do we
organize our lives a bit differently and then go about our business as usual?
Debate and argument with heat is what we have today.
Polarized thinking and talking and acting we have as well. And not a little
chaos as a topping on this unsavory dish!
Yes, America
is in the throes of defining itself all over again. Are we a place of freedom?
Freedom of thought, action and belief? Or are we a regimented society in which
some would have us all believe the same thing? Yes; chaos. It dwells fitfully
among us.
And then friends turn out to be nettlesome and unfriendly.
“You are too liberal, too Muslim, too Christian, too Republican or too
Democrat.” All the while these epithets are tossed about the real meaning and
worth of the person is thrown out with the garbage.
How sad this is. Otherwise intelligent people attack others
merely because they don’t agree with them. Lockstep beliefs are their mantra.
Not very freedom oriented, eh?
No I don’t think so. But not them.
The other day I outlined some points of chaos and ended the
blog with Peace. A comeback by one reader was that I was ‘too Muslim.’
Unfortunate for him this is not Muslim alone. It is also Jewish and Christian
and probably other major religions, too. See how narrowly defined he is?
Disagrees with you and labels you with abandon without knowing the me inside.
This blog is a commentary of my thinking. It is not a
journalistic exercise. It is an act of freedom for anyone to see, read, feel.
It is not to be agreed with or disagreed with. It is just there.
Too bad some folks don’t understand that.
Thinking aloud helps put pieces together for better understanding.
Pleasantness goes a long way in allowing jarring ideas to bounce off one another.
Seeking truth and clarity is often a wondrous reward. But
only for a moment because the environment of life is always changing and giving
new perspective to old thoughts.
Perhaps it is this chaos we should seek? Or not!
June 13, 2017
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