My extended family once argued politics via our emailed list server. There was never any acrimony or name-calling or falling-outs. But my mother and a brother nevertheless became uncomfortable and fearful that our civility would eventually end and our relationships lie broken.
I went along, knowing that my mother had vocally, but not via the much later emailed discussions, made her share of political comments. I rationalized for myself that, if we were to continue, I could at best convince or at least cast some doubts into the mindsets of an exceedingly small fraction of the entire population.
What worries me is the ability, attributable to great wealth, of so few people to repeatedly reach very large audiences.
I would have never thought that what we've seen in the past four years could happen in the US. Besides threatening democracy, it's also fractured families and friendships. I hope things can be turned around. Thanks for sharing this.
Every thought filled (and difficult) word you placed pen to paper in this article MC was truly written with the deepest concern and I commend you stepping out of the “polite” shadows. We are in trouble on so many levels these days and just hoping for better days, that “this” isn’t really happening, to now avoiding conversations with family and friends because we don’t wish to upset them or ourselves out of politeness, well if not now then when and especially, if we cannot be free to speak within a group of friends ( a safe space) our hearts, our deep worries, then we ARE part of the problem. Thank you MC.
Thank you, Diana, for taking the time to read my piece thoughtfully and with understanding. We all come at circumstances and community from different places, but ideally, in my view, we come to them with compassion and concern for all -- with respect for safety, both physical and idealogical. I really appreciate your time in reading and in taking the time to comment! Thank you for being a subscriber to THINK!
My extended family once argued politics via our emailed list server. There was never any acrimony or name-calling or falling-outs. But my mother and a brother nevertheless became uncomfortable and fearful that our civility would eventually end and our relationships lie broken.
I went along, knowing that my mother had vocally, but not via the much later emailed discussions, made her share of political comments. I rationalized for myself that, if we were to continue, I could at best convince or at least cast some doubts into the mindsets of an exceedingly small fraction of the entire population.
What worries me is the ability, attributable to great wealth, of so few people to repeatedly reach very large audiences.
Thank you, Spence, for taking the time to read my essay and respond with your own thoughts.
I would have never thought that what we've seen in the past four years could happen in the US. Besides threatening democracy, it's also fractured families and friendships. I hope things can be turned around. Thanks for sharing this.
It is awfully sad. I hold a lot of hope too -- for better days. Thanks for taking the time to read this essay and to comment, Gerri!
Every thought filled (and difficult) word you placed pen to paper in this article MC was truly written with the deepest concern and I commend you stepping out of the “polite” shadows. We are in trouble on so many levels these days and just hoping for better days, that “this” isn’t really happening, to now avoiding conversations with family and friends because we don’t wish to upset them or ourselves out of politeness, well if not now then when and especially, if we cannot be free to speak within a group of friends ( a safe space) our hearts, our deep worries, then we ARE part of the problem. Thank you MC.
Thank you, Diana, for taking the time to read my piece thoughtfully and with understanding. We all come at circumstances and community from different places, but ideally, in my view, we come to them with compassion and concern for all -- with respect for safety, both physical and idealogical. I really appreciate your time in reading and in taking the time to comment! Thank you for being a subscriber to THINK!
Right on! Are we going to have a civilization or a civil war? That’s not hyperbole. That’s what’s at
stake.
Yep ... agreed. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Su -- appreciate it!