Can we all just stop for a moment? Amidst all the yelling and arguing, finger pointing, partisan-political emails, TV News propaganda, YouTube video conspiracy theories, and anger, we must all ask ourselves one little question… has any of this helped in anyway other than to strengthen the resolve on both sides that the other is the enemy???
Can’t we see that when you aggressively oppose the agenda or act of “the other” we actually end up strengthening their cause. The end result is always the opposite of what one’s original motivations were. This cycle of madness is done on both sides of the aisle, and we are all to blame. In a desire to see one movement stop we simplistically oppose it and in return strengthen the resolve and tactics of the other side. It’s time to step back from these simplistic oppositions and begin to engage in healthy dialogue as though we are all created in God’s Image.
People are complex, issues are complex, society is complex. When you apply simple answers to a complex world, you do not always get the results that you originally intended. If you want someone to change their mind on an issue… probably yelling at them while holding mean signs is not going to get it done. If you somehow miraculously convince one out of a thousand people through those means, the other 999 will develop greater resolve and become more organized in responding to your tirade.
Here’s an idea… why don’t we try the slow yet proven method of REAL conversation. Sit down over a cup of coffee, a beer, or a sweet tea and share your stories, experiences, and how the issue that you are passionate about hits home for you. Uh but wait, remember that conversation takes two to work, so you need to allow the other person to share their own stories and experiences.
Now I know that crusading around opposing everything may feel more like the right thing to do, but in the end we look back and must ask ourselves what have we really accomplished. No, for those who actually want to see change come are going to have to do it the old fashioned way… by rolling up those sleeves and investing yourself and much time in people and communities as you begin building bridges of mutual trust, respect, and understanding.
If not we are destined to the continuing escalation of resistance, tension, and division that has defined us as a people in America.
I’m Just Sayin!
Drew G. I. Hart 
True and right on. Unfortunately (and I include myself in this) many people not only get their news from media but also form their opinion directly from it. To the world It seems almost antiquated that in this day we should both think independently about and converse with others BEFORE forming our opinions. And for Christians this also includes reading the bible with all honesty rather than just cherry picking verses. In my opinion FWIW, we all could do with a lot less of the talking heads on TV, replacing it with true conversation. Good post.