Yesterday I wrote about there being “two truths”: the opposing forces of the left (liberals and Democrats) and the right (conservatives and Republicans). While I genuinely tried to appreciate the two views, it soon became apparent that only one of these views can become “the law of the land.” As long as we give in to pitched conflict and reject respect for the different values, there will be no peace in the land.
Those of us on the left have to understand and respect the views held by conservatives. There clearly have been abuses of individual rights, disrespect for certain religious values, and threats to personal freedom. The so-called “political correctness” has, in some instances, become a joke and, in others, a downright tragedy
Those of us on the right have to acknowledge the plight of minorities and the legitimate needs of many Americans that have not been successfully addressed by the free market or the beneficence of the private sector. And we have to do so without citing worn-out old bromides about the work ethic, condemnation of the government, or simple arrogance of one’s own success.
Ask yourself: how long would it have been plausible or even possible to deny the vote to women in our society? Then ask yourself how long we can continue to deny respect and rights to minorities and others in today’s society. The fact is that Blacks, Hispanics and women have successfully elevated themselves through education, earning power, and social mobility and can no longer be ignored or shunted aside. Look around; what do you see out there?
No one has to lose here; we can and must do better