The Politics of Love
As I sit here composing this blog, we are on the eve of the 248Th anniversary of the country in which I was born and still live in- it has been a rough week for the constitution. It has been a rough few years for that independence streak we are so proud of – and so many people have given their lives for…It is not my intention to ever air political positions or views in my blog -however tempting it may be. Rather it is to suggest new trains of thought-ideologies or beautiful moments that grace our lives in a free society.
Today I am wondering what this country of my birth would be like if we had a politics of love. Imagine for a moment, that all leaders would lead from a place of unconditional regard for all. Imagine what it would feel like to solve the problems of poverty, racial tension, world conflicts or human rights from a place of deep compassion, wisdom and understanding that everyone does the best they can with the quality of their thinking and the limits of their thought structures.
Imagine that world domination is a contest of who can treat their citizens and world citizens the best of anyone.
As I try to imagine it I have both a warm feeling and a voice that says “that will never happen”. My doubt stems from weeks like this one – where justice seems a distant dream. Where the inspiration of my forefathers seems long ago and far away. Where the guy who lit my childhood with his “ask what you can do for your country” was from a movie or tv show starring Martin Sheen.
Then I remembered, Love is a decision…greeting each conflict and heartbreak with Lovingkindness can only add joy to a tough spot in the road. Showing respect for all sides of an argument can only mitigate the vitriol being shouted from rooftops or microphones. I can definitely be part of the problem or part of the solution.
I have been blessed to be free – to never wake up hungry with no source of sustenance- I can think and speak what matters to me without checking to see who is listening. I am free – and I have those same forefathers to thank.
So thank them tomorrow I will – amidst hot dogs and my mother’s famous cornbread. Thankful I can choose a politics of Love no matter what comes my way. You will be reading this on the day after Independence Day – if you forgot to be thankful – it’s never too late for gratitude. And no important blog of mine is ever complete without some spirit from the Boss. Really take the time to listen and May your love give us love.
