This isn’t Scandal. Olivia Pope didn’t cheat Donald Trump into the presidency. And few things are more irksome than a sore loser, just ask Mellie. We alone have the power to give media dominion over us. With freedom, comes responsibility. And truth does not depend on consensus of opinion.
At the end of the day, despite our stance on women’s rights or social equality, most Americans seem to want a more stable economy. Perhaps even more than we want Trump (the person) to think Hillary is attractive, or whatever it is many women seem to be so mad about. Could we just step out of the defense for a second and broaden our perspectives beyond our frustrations? I summarize that Trump (the president) aims to bring stabilization, and even prosperity, back to the American economy. Whether he will achieve this is yet to be seen. But let’s remember, no one president excels in all aspects. Some focus on health care, or the environment, or creating jobs. Some focus on their role as commander-in-chief, military strategy, or human rights. Trump may screw up in a million ways. He may be everything that is morally wrong with America. Or he may surprise us all. (However unlikely that may seem.)
I did not love Obama (the president), though I liked Obama (the person). For media’s portrayal of him at least, he seemed to be a dedicated husband and father, compassionate and sincere. And contrarily, I don’t love Trump (the person), but I think I could like Trump the shrewd entrepreneur, his comical appearance and shocking mannerisms aside. Our nation was founded by radical entrepreneurs, was it not? Let’s allow that love we’re so eager to proclaim be seen and not just heard. Our rants won’t impeach him. Our vulgarity didn’t change the inauguration. Freedom of speech? Sure, go ahead. But just because you are entitled to strife and slander, doesn’t mean you should. With freedom, comes responsibility. Let’s not become what we despise.
Americans, we’re survivors. Black, white, yellow, brown, no matter. Rich, poor, refugee, immigrant, no matter. We survive, that’s what we do. And our beliefs vary as much as our skin color and social class. But that’s what makes us beautiful, our differences. So, let’s simmer down, turn the burner to low and focus on unifying, stirring the melting pot into a harmonious people embracing love. Beyond the outcome of Trump’s (the president’s) four-year term, you know what will be left? Me and you. And everyone else.
Political opinion is healthy. Disagreement is inevitable. But could the peacemakers make their voices a little louder? And could we stop telling people what to think and how to feel, like our opinion is absolute? Discord-sowers, just know that we see you. And we see your 40+ comment arguments on social media. This isn’t debate class, they have groups and classrooms for that, I’m sure. Or start a blog and put all your opinions there (ha!). That way, I can still like you (as a person) without being frustrated by you (the aspiring critic).
I guess my problem isn’t that we disagree, but how we disagree. Sharing articles that you didn’t write about research you didn’t do yourself isn’t exactly original thought. And using derogatory adjectives only muddies whatever factual support you may posses. Remember, just because you have a gun, doesn’t mean you must shoot it. And just because you have a mouth, doesn’t mean you must speak. Despite consensus of opinion.
Take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (James 3:4-10)