A mockery of Democracy?

OK, I'm going out on a limb here but I've made a recent commitment to "listen to my heart" and share what it has to say. Today, my heart is aching for compassion, empathy and "right action," to borrow a term from a spiritual teacher of mine. Social media is a wonderful, open forum for conversation, humor and opinion. I also see that it's a powerful tool for political derision and division. I tend not to post much political content (although, I'm sure my leanings are obvious) because it strikes me that the anonymity of social media creates an environment in which intelligent political debate gives way to something more resembling a bunch of schoolyard bullies forming gangs for the fun of it. There's a sort of slash and burn quality to it.

My observation is that we feel powerful and smart and "right" when we clench our fists and raise our voices against politics and giddily smear politicians representing the "opposite side of the aisle" from our own political and philosophical biases. "Not that there's anything wrong with that," to quote Jerry Seinfeld, it's our constitutional right, after all. But here's what I'm wondering this morning ... are we doing more harm than good? Do we even have a clue what it takes to do the job of a congressman or senator, not to mention president? Could I or you stand up under the pressures of such a job? Think about it.

I am not suggesting a Pollyannish acceptance of what we perceive to be a dysfunctional political system. I am suggesting that we each resist the impulse to join a gang of political bullies simply for the pleasure of throwing our weight around.

A democracy can only be as effective as its informed citizens. Let's hold our feet to the fire where political and social commentary are concerned. Let's prioritize objective journalism over the circus-like cacophony of "entertainment news." Let's take our intellects back from the talking heads on TV who earn wa-a-a-a-y more than our political leaders.

We, Americans, are beyond fortunate to be living in this amazing country where we take for granted the right to speak our minds. Let's live up to the responsibility of our birthright as US citizens. Let's stop bullying each other. Let's stop adding to the mockery made of democracy. Let's think before we speak. Let's consider the possibility that everyone is "a little bit right" (as my spiritual teacher would say) and let's see what happens when we truly honor the democratic system established in this country by the courageous men and women of our founding.

Let's find a way to take "right action." If we honestly object to the work of politicians, let's walk a mile in their shoes. How about running for office or working for a local political leader? How about volunteering for a political campaign? A peaceful protest, perhaps? Or, here's a radical idea … let's learn everything we can about the democratic process. Let's make it our life's work to understand it and live by it. I know. It sounds hard, boring, not fun. I believe it's time we stop taking our "pursuit of happiness" for granted and learn more about the Constitutional ideal behind that pursuit.

We pledge allegiance in this country from the time that we are babes. For many of us, it's a rote monologue. I believe we should know what we're promising when we make that pledge. I believe it's of the utmost importance to take seriously our oath to uphold the ideal of "liberty and justice for ALL." That includes our politicians and their supporters. It includes those with whom we agree and those with whom we disagree. It even includes the bullies … but that doesn't mean we have to join their ranks.

You may say I'm a dreamer, but (hopefully) I'm not the only one. (I couldn't resist the nod to John Lennon, 50 years after he first stepped foot on American soil with the Beatles. Thank you, Beatles!)

If you made it all the way to this paragraph, thanks for listening to my heart. I really appreciate it. Have a beautiful day, my friend.