Not Too Long Didn't Read

It is not about the Why.

It is about the How.

This country is made up of many diverse points of view. They do not all agree. Even so, we can and do get along.

We only have one boat. The course we set, as we all sit in the same boat, is determined by all of us when we each pull our one oar.

Some people pull their oar very strongly. And they exert greater influence. Other people pull their or weakly or not at all, and they exert less influence or no influence.

Some people are busy convincing other people to not pull their oar, and by doing so, have a net impact on the course correction of the boat. That’s dirty.

The fellow who got elected to keep his hand on the rudder can also steer the boat. But he can’t override the oars if they collectively choose to go a different direction. And the steersman can be replaced.

If you follow what I say, then you will have heard me talk before about the concept of “unfair advantage.” It’s complicated. But essentially it’s about dis-empowering others while you seek advantage for yourself. It’s dirty. It’s in there with the lying, cheating, stealing and killing on the big four list of naughty no-no’s.

So it doesn’t always matter Why you believe you need to protect something, but it matters great deal How you choose to go about protecting it. There is a better way.

So we have all this finger pointing going on. There’s plenty to be upset about.

People want to protect what they think is important. But other people think differently. Some people think that the ends justify the means. So it’s all a bunch of philosophy. But that philosophy isn’t just academic. It’s very real in terms of lives that are impacted. So the only good way to do this Democracy thing is the hard way.

Do not lie, cheat or steal. Listen to those with whom you may disagree. Commit yourself to have difficult conversations that are necessary to find workable solutions. To debating the issues. And vote. Do not opt out. If you don’t participate, you have no influence.

If you don’t pull your oar, you have no influence on the direction of the boat that metaphorically represents your country.

Some folks think it won’t matter, but it will. And those who try to convince you that it won’t matter are lying to you, or they are quitters which is just about as bad.

So whatever it is that you think is important enough to protect, pull your oar. Try to make sure that the steersman knows their business. If you believe they do not know their business, then pull your oar even harder and make some noise until you get a new steersman.

It matters How.

Reflections on this post I read on Substack:

https://substack.com/@democraticwarrior/note/c-156477150?r=3ib2lj