True change may be hardest thing humans can do

It is true that in some form or another, whatever goes around comes around. Only marginally do we learn from experience and implement real change. True change, in fact, may be the most difficult thing humans are able to do.

The current chaotic political scene, for example, may appear to be unique, but in many ways it bears a striking resemblance to earlier periods.

Thankfully, I was not there when the country actually fought over its differences with terrible furor, unleashing almost barbaric damage to both sides.

In my own lifetime, however, I have witnessed a time of political unrest similar, in many ways to the present. It was ugly, and it once again threatened to tear the fabric of American society into irreparable pieces.

There are factions which, apparently, will never agree on certain political views. There are, indeed, factions which will never be able to tolerate any views but their own, and are rigidly set in their opposition. Merely being identified with having an association with “outside” influences or individuals, will immediately raise strong defensive ire in some of these factions.

The maddening thing is that a country which claims to embrace “Freedom” continually seeks to narrowly define that freedom- thus nullifying the very concept of freedom itself. Selectively choosing which parts of a founding document to champion and which to bend to a personal agenda is exactly what led most early Americans to flee a narrowly defined government in England in the first place. Certain factions today fail to understand the irony.

It is eerily depressing that the very same battles continue to be fought, as if only one side should forever prevail. It hasn’t happened, and it won’t for any length of time. The only comprehensive solution ever instituted was created as The United States of America.

It was sincerely hoped that a diverse people could live together somewhat harmoniously, respectful of general law while making room for individual preferences. The battle today is basically no different than it has always been. It is over who gets to decide the law and the preferences.

Without compromise and inclusion, this battle is destined to be fought forever. Without these things, it is impossible to find balance. Without balance, one side or another will always fight tenaciously. Perfect equilibrium may be unachievable, but the swings need not be so devastating to everyone. At least that is the premise upon which this country was founded.

Revolution for revolution’s sake is not only counter- productive, it is foolishly, selfishly destructive.

Here are some excerpts from a sad, destructive time which I personally witnessed. They have been altered only slightly from their original appearance: They are actually some of the milder statements, and most of the frightening and destructive events are not shown.

“(This person) was known for stirring up crowds with fiery oratory.”

“(This person) ran on an ‘outsider’ image, campaigning in opposition to governmental intervention.”

“(this person) made a strong claim that states should have more power than the federal government.”

When a supporter asked why (this person) started using (controversial) messages, they replied, "You know, I tried to talk about good roads and good schools and all these things, and nobody listened. And then I began talking about (deleted), and they stomped the floor.”

“There is still in America love for freedom, hard common sense, and the preservation of our Constitutional liberties.”

Here is “This Person.”

"The Old South is gone," but "the New South is still opposed to government regulation of our lives."
George C. Wallace

Let us all pray to be spared this kind of political warfare in the coming year.