Perhaps, due to the increasing degree of polarization in this nation, especially over the last four years (as well as a decade), various people, with different political views, etc., seem to perceive things significantly and differently. . , of those, with different perspectives. While this, in and of itself, is not dangerous/crucial, it does create a significant obstacle, in terms of trying to achieve any meeting of minds, for the greater good, and/or, any desire to look at things, from both perspectives. , of others! It often seems that even the most obvious things are perceived very differently. Why are we witnessing such a difference in the perceptions of our citizens? With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, review and discuss 5 areas where this is important and significant.
1. Political leaders/representatives: My concern is if what President Trump did, said and encouraged, as well as the amount of hate and anger he allowed, are not impeachable events/behaviors, what is? We continue to witness, even after the dangerous behavior of the mob that took over the Capitol, a continuation of partisan political behavior, where our representatives seem to continue to put their personal/political agenda, and/or, self-interest, before the good! greater and the best interests of this nation, in the short and long term! If they don’t hold you accountable, the risk and fear of being accused will have little impact on future leaders! Also, why do so many seem to believe the unsubstantiated statements, conspiracy theories, and belief of the man who lost the popular vote by more than seven million votes and the Electoral College by a significant margin? was he the actual winner?
two. Constitution / Constitutional guarantees: Isn’t it strange/interesting, many of the same people who demand their so-called 2nd Amendment rights (bear arms), believe that the 1st Amendment is less important, unless it affects them personally? How can so many, claim, to wear a mask, for the common good, public health, safety, etc., is a violation of their rights, and it’s okay, for them, to demonstrate, etc., but, no, for those, they Disagree with?
3. Racial/ethnic attitudes: The number and often the severity of racial and ethnic hate crimes appears to have increased significantly in recent years. Groups, like neo-Nazis, white supremacists and others, who seem to prioritize, hate/fear others, who disagree (or are different)! These people seem to have been empowered and developed a sense of entitlement, in large part, due to the rhetoric and vitriol of the occupant of the White House, these past four years!
Four. Environment/Climate: How, after so much evidence and scientific findings, affirming the inevitability of Climate Change, if we don’t address it, sooner rather than later, do it, continue denying it, and/or equating it to economic problems, etc.? After decades of bipartisan efforts to improve the environment, especially in the areas of clean air and water, the immediate past president sought to reduce regulations and backtracked on many of these efforts! Regardless of one’s political agenda, one must consider the need and obligation to preserve this planet for future generations, the duty/responsibility of all!
5. Public health: Shouldn’t public health be a core value, which our representatives consider the highest priority? During this horrible pandemic, the president’s refusal to set the right example, wearing (and encouraging others) a mask and making statements, denying the dangers, was probably dangerous! He asserted the need to address economic concerns and reopen the economy, even though most of the rest of the world followed the scientific advice.
These are just some of the examples, where there are significant, different and opposing perceptions! Wake up America and demand better and more!
