It’s game time. During this political season, I’ve been most depleted by the incessant focus on the problem(s). What’s wrong with America, all the things going wrong in the world, who’s to blame, how bad it’s gotten and on and on and on. Talking about the problem gets everyone spun up remembering with longing easier days(which may or may not have actually been easier), but it feels good to think so. It feels even better to believe there are quick fixes to a globalized economy, radical Islam, or our pubic education system.
Now it’s time to get into the solution. Your health care is too expensive? Well, so is mine. Now what? Middle class manufacturing jobs have left the country and mechanization means they aren’t coming back. What are you going to do about it? Stop shopping at WalMart? Would that even help? I don’t know. I don’t know the answers to a lot of things that are wrong with this country, but it’s time to stop talking and start acting.
For my part, I accept the leadership elected by this country. Now, it’s time for them to step up. Deliver. Get into the solution. And it’s my job to observe with an open mind while they do so. After watching Trump on 60 Minutes last night, I join others in saying the only thing I really know is that his views aren’t formed. It seemed like every question presented the first time for him to really think about issues like same sex marriage, Iran, and ObamaCare. He seemed to feel no allegiance to the rhetoric of the campaign. My biggest worry remains that the people around him will have even more power than usual in making policy. Unfortunately, his choices thus far have been troubling (an understatement), but again, he doesn’t seem to mind changing his mind and denying he ever did so. I’m going to pray that God can manage that. That’s above my pay grade.
After spending a few days unplugged then surfacing to take in all the prognostications, I’ve decided on three governing principles for myself going forward. This is how I’m planning to get into the solution.
- Dig in and understand what’s going on. Be open-minded, but not permissive. Now isn’t the time to tune out.
- Stand up against racism, bigotry, sexism or hate wherever it shows up. Every time.
- Perform random acts of kindness, express gratitude and optimism wherever possible, and practice radical self-care so I can take on the fights that need fighting.
The problem is easy, distracting and, in some ways, comforting. Getting into the solution is where we separate the wheat from the chaff. That’s what matters.
Today, I’m getting into the solution of switching my phone from Sprint back to AT&T. I saw the commercials. I wanted to believe that 1% difference in the network wasn’t worth twice the price. I thought it didn’t matter much. But guess what, it does. I’ve learned that lesson and luckily it’s not one I have to live with for long.
My hope is that our country’s lessons aren’t too painful, but real solutions often are.
Boonedoggler 