Let's Work Towards the Middle, Please and Thank You!
Does this really have to be so difficult?
By TLS
There is a quote in some movie that says something along the lines of “The Devil’s greatest accomplishment was convincing the world he doesn’t exist.” I’m not religious, but if I were, I would think we are right where the Devil wants us.
Half this country literally thinks the other half is their mortal enemy. This cannot continue, figuratively and literally. Either we as a nation pull our collective heads out or we will likely destroy all that has been built over the past 250-plus years.
As of this writing, approximately two weeks before the 2024 presidential election, it appears nearly half this country would rather we burn to the ground than face reality.
How have we become so divided? I think there are several contributing factors. The internet, social media, malicious profit-driven algorithms, the decline of quality scientific-based education, the increase in rhetoric, siloing and echo chambers, and I’m sure there are many many more.
It would be great if politicians would encourage the masses to cooperate and work together. But that won’t happen because politicians are a product of the masses and politicians only care about re-election.
If we’re going to climb our way out of this I think it will have to be done by grass roots. Slowly, if we have enough time left, people will get tired of the divisiveness and hatred. Hopefully their sentiment will grow and build a foundation of support. Others will see cooperation is preferable to extremism. Politicians will be forced to compromise with each other, or be voted out. Quality education will increase. The drive for the common good will be encouraged. Public discussion of policies and issues will become productive. Neighbors will no longer view neighbors as the enemy.
This would be nice and I truly believe it would only take the gentlest push in the right direction to make this happen. Unfortunately, I have no idea who would be able to do this or exactly where they would push.
Help me push in that direction. Maybe we can do it together, you know…working towards the middle for the common good.
If you believe cooperation is still possible, help me prove it. Share this, talk about it, and push gently toward the middle. The future depends on what we do next.
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<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-colleagues-working-together-cafe_10228572.htm#fromView=image_search_similar&page=1&position=2&uuid=688b9e53-f7f4-4785-adb3-def6b4047692">Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik</a>
