Let us take time out and figure out who should receive our votes. As campaigning for 2022 mid-term elections and the 2024 Presidential race unfolds, and as the media frenzies begin to swarm, it should come as no surprise that the strategy for political parties is “strategic extremism” based on identity politics: we-they, us-them itus. This is nothing more than two wolves destroying a beautiful country from within. As campaigning moves forward, note that there is limited discussion about policies and issues that make a difference; and notice the inflammatory nonsense in a deliberate effort to manipulate, mobilize, and separate voters. Culturally liberal mainstream media will happily take the bait—it boosts ratings—and makes Trump’s cultural “illiberalism” a big issue. Because morality is relative and voters like it, it is an easy tool with which to MANIPULATE voters. Every time we are emotionally upset, angry, irritated, impatient, condescending, we are deliberately being set up, and we may not want to acknowledge it at the time. Lies, deception, conspiracies, half-truths, valueless, virtue less, vision less, leaderless, and cowardice are simply a way of life for political campaigns.
American citizens are better than this! We can remain in our seats and watch the show and realize that what is unfolding in front of us is part of a play and that the actors are only emotionally triggering us—manipulating us—and offering messages. This beckons challenge and opportunity to take time out and reflect on key issues in the form of a vision and mission for America; some critical values, virtues, and guiding principles to live; and what policies and programs make sense for the country. We have a great deal to heal and get done in the battle for the soul of the Nation. Our opponents are not our enemies; and we are not “Red States” and “Blue States.” Let us be open to the infinite potential and possibilities and unify our great country. We are all Americans, and we can each choose to transcend and include others. As a starting point for your vision and mission of our “mighty task,” a working draft might look something like this…
VISION
Quality, compassion, and common good in all we are and all we do.
Strategies
MISSION
To close with, enable, and facilitate, for individuals and collectives, integral health, presence, wellness, and wellbeing.
There is a great deal to do! Stay tuned, more to come in reflections about core values, virtues, guiding principles, policies, and programs. Let us get this ship turned around and moving in a positive direction. Citizens make votes count for America.