My husband and I just returned from a half business/half vacation cruise to the Caribbean. While I learned a lot and we had lots of fun, I am saddened to return home to the political upheaval this country is experiencing. Even more upsetting is the hateful tone expressed by public figures and leaders toward people with different opinions.
Recently, I read in the Wall Street Journal about a woman who was removed from a plane because she was verbally abusive to the person in the adjoining seat. Her neighbor had voted for a different candidate, and she insisted that the flight stewards remove him from her presence. Ultimately, she was escorted off the flight. Tell me, what makes someone think they have the right to dictate how other people should vote?
No matter which candidate you supported in the recent national election, the people who voted for the other candidate are not terrible people. They are not stupid. They are not un-American. They are individuals with different life experiences from yours, and their opinions are as worthy of consideration.
I may not agree with you, but I will fight to defend your right to that opinion! (Even if it's wrong, :-0 ) Let's bring back courtesy and respect for one another, and try to treat each other with the kindness we want for ourselves, as we agree to disagree.
Dr. Ben Carson expressed it beautifully...
While much of America seems to be getting more and more divisive, I'm going to be holding doors for strangers, letting people cut in front of me in traffic, greeting all I meet, exercising patience with others, and smiling at strangers. I'll do this as often as I have the opportunity. I will not stand idly by and let children live in a world where unconditional love is invisible and being rude is acceptable.
Join me in showing love and respect to others. Find your way to swing the pendulum in the direction of love. Because today, sadly, hate is gaining ground.
Love must begin somewhere and love will overcome hate. Imagine the difference if we each purposefully love a little more.
I truly believe one person can make a difference in the world. Think of Gandhi. Think of Mother Teresa. How about Dr. Martin Luther King? Change starts at home. It starts with you. Stand up for freedom of opinion and the right to disagree. Take a stand for kindness and BE THE CHANGE you want to see in the world.
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