Yesterday I felt like expelling so loudly, a terrified, stress-induced scream. I didn't, at that moment, I held it back. I was near downtown in my small city and although if anyone asked, I told them it was in response to recent events tied to my country's current political affairs, they no doubt would understand, I still refrained. Added to that, I was walking a dog, whose sensitivity to such would worry him to no end, as he could never comprehend. This past week I have been fortunate enough to spend my time with many a beloved pet, whose existence has not altered as the current political strain of the human world touches them not. Their simple joy in the little things of life is desirable and a constant lesson for me to slow down, breathe, and embrace the reality of their world. No, not to escape or distract from the truth of my human existence, but as a healing balm to strengthen and maintain a semblance of peace, stability, and security.
Once, when I was a Christian, I had a dear friend share with me about how her daughter in high school spoke up when her friends were bad mouthing Christianity with "You are talking about me" which silenced their bad talking. Now, I am not a Christian any longer and I ain't trying to plug Christianity, but the significance of those five words holds weight alongside the current state of my country.
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In my life, I have aligned myself with different political ideologies based on different phases of my life, Democrat from youthful family origin, to the brief "Republican before MAGA" when I was a Fundie, to a stint in the Green Party, to now "Progressive" democrat from a growing information based personal decision. Because of this, it affords me an unique understanding and affinity for those I care for in each of the political parties. Yes, I have a strong memorable connection to a tried and true blue democrat, a green party liberal, the Never Trumper, and even the now advancing MAGA party. In each, I have a memory of special times and a warm sense of love that never will die no matter the politic or change in relationship. Yet, that doesn't mean that I condone the negative aspects of the beliefs that I feel are harmful and toxic, but only that I remember the love, though it may be buried.
With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me".
No matter the political party, I hear the same refrain of blame ringing through alongside a lack of human compassion. With friends that are more 'green party' affiliated, I hear the blame on all of America, both liberal and political, as fake, corrupt, stemming from a place built around conspiracy theories. With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me". On the opposite side of the spectrum, I hear the hate-filled spewing of the MAGA, with their self-righteous desire to assume Christianity while being anything but, they seek to 'own the liberal' and celebrate with lack of compassion. With this in mind, I proclaim, "You are talking about me". This proclamation is meant to give each pause to reflect, to stop in the tracks, and help recall what each of us must, that far deeper than the boundary of country, we are human beings doing our best to live, survive, thrive the human frailty of condition.
You don't own me, don't try to change me in any way
You don't own me, don't tie me down
'cause I'd never stay I don't tell you what to say
I don't tell you what to do
So just let me be myself
That's all I ask of you
Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me (lyrics)
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