It’s My Party and I Will Cry Speak Up if I Want Too

(PP at SDWC caught up with his weekend reading and posted about two inflammatory letters to the editor which appeared in the Rapid City Journal. One letter was signed by approximately a dozen self-defined “conservative” Republicans and the second by former candidate and former legislator Alan Aker. Several readers had brought the strident declarations to my attention, asked me to comment, and until now I decided to stay silent. I am amazed after reading them again. I do not want to just sit there and let such fanaticism go unchallenged.)

There was a time I used to envy people who had quick answers to complex questions and issues. Their ability to voice their opinions almost immediately and so decisively suggested extraordinary intellect and a moral certitude. It didn’t take long before I realized how wrong I was.

What I came to understand was that those with the fast responses and firm attitudes are actually limited in the scope and breadth of their ability to think thoroughly. and the quick or easy answers weren’t always the correct ones. Instant analysis really only demonstrates knowledge and comprehension along and maybe some application of a philosophy to a situation.

This doesn’t sound too bad at first glance. However, the quick and easy answers lack the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate that same situation. They further fail to take into account that not everyone shares the same outlook or perspective.

Thinking about things in absolute terms of good or bad and/or wrong or right is simplistic and fails to take into account the complexity of real life. Life is not black or white, it is gray. Sometimes a little darker than others, and other times is brighter than before. We need to avoid seeing things on a two dimensional spectrum. Life is three dimensional with height, width, and depth.

Am I suggesting that we be prepared to compromise and set aside our beliefs merely because others have different beliefs or ideas than ours? No. That is not what I am saying.

I am trying to say we need to avoid the quick and easy answers offered by some to the complicated subjects that are being talked about in our homes, schools, workplaces, courthouses, statehouses, and capital. We need to talk, listen, think, and pray more before coming to any personal conclusions. We then need to see where we agree with others, take action, and later re-evaluate. Failure to do so results only in stalemate, the halt of progress, and eventual bitterness toward anyone who doesn’t share our beliefs.

The model I endorse has no room for stridency because in the real world, no matter how convinced we are that we are right, we still have to work with others to get anything done.