Wow! What to say about what is happening in our world today?! I think our entire country has gone crazy!

The hate between people is palpable. The disrespect between people is discouraging. The friction between families is disheartening.

There was a time when people could disagree. There might be a heated discussion over the disagreement – maybe even arguments, but we walked away still friends. But today, if you disagree with someone, it can become a major blow out. It is no longer acceptable to have differing viewpoints on matters. You are a Democrat? Well then you are a left wing nut. You are a Republican? Well then you are a right wing racist (or worse).

I always thought that it was wise not to generalize groups of people. There are good and bad people in every walk of life. There are bad priests, bad teachers, bad cops, etc. However, for everyone one bad person, there are hundreds and thousands of good people. Unfortunately, until you actually see bad (or criminal) behavior, no one knows who the good and the bad really are. That is a lesson learned the hard way every time. The question is, do we continue to blame everyone for the bad or criminal behavior of the few? If you answer that question with a yes, think about what our world will become. A teacher hurts a child…all teachers are bad. What becomes of our schools? A doctor takes advantage of a patient…all doctors are bad. What becomes of our healthcare system? Where does it end? My philosophy always has and always will be to treat everyone with respect until they lose my respect. I don’t care what profession they are in. I don’t care who they voted for. I don’t care what color they are. I don’t care who they sleep with. I don’t care where they come from. Treat me well, and I will treat you well.

I am tired! I am saddened by what I am seeing today. People screaming at one another, while taking a breath saying we need to unite, while taking another breath calling people on the other side F#@%ers (and yes, this did happen). People on the left want to unite now because they just won the election. But where were they with this unification talk when members of our government were actually calling for people to attack people on the other side of the political isle when they saw them out in public? Why didn’t we hear EVERYONE say this was not acceptable? And please, I know it looks like I’m pointing fingers at one side. I am not. The behavior on all sides has been disgraceful! I have never in my adult life seen such behavior from people in positions of power that usually garner respect.

I want to see our county unite! I want to see us all put the craziness behind us. But in order to do that, people need to stop hating and berating. I believe that everyone has a right to their opinion. I might try to explain why my opinion is what it is, but I won’t be calling them names if they don’t agree with me. It is every American’s right to have their own opinions and beliefs. I don’t deserve to be called names for what I believe. And please let me be clear – I believe that every single human being is worthy of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and safety despite their color, place of origin, or sexual preference.

Can we put all this hate behind us? I don’t know. I know that my anger and hurt runs deep for those who have called me names and been terribly disrespectful. I have tried to let it go, but I will be honest, I haven’t quite been able to get past it. I should be able to, but I’m a Cancer, and I don’t forgive or give second chances easily. It is a work in progress for me.

So what do we do? I know that if it is hard for me to forgive and forget, it will be just as hard for everyone else. So, how do we move forward? I have eliminated social media from my daily life. Don’t get me wrong, I still post pictures of my dogs on Instagram (for my friends – you are welcome!), but that’s pretty much it for me. I also stopped watching the news. I just don’t need that negativity in my life.

It is my constant fear that we have gone too far to ever get back to what we once were. I pray that I am wrong and that our country will begin to heal. I hope that not too many friends and families have hit the point of no return. I hope that mutual respect and tolerance will return to our daily lives. Sooner rather than later.

So, I ask this of anyone who reads this. Be kind. Try to be a better person today than you were yesterday. Think before you speak – especially to someone who means something to you. If you have a chance to help someone, do it! Do your personal best to make our world a better place. Maybe if we get enough people doing this, we can be the change we need to see.

Have a great day and God Bless!

It’s Just Me and My Opinion