Florida will be up for grabs in 36 hours

[pat_k]

93. I wish more folks here would check out BraverAngels.org

I have had it with the level of rancor and animosity between "us" and "them." I can't know what was in malaise's mind, but I don't think it was driven by a feeling of respect for "them."

Maybe it started with "them" demonizing "us," but there a whole lot of "them" who felt dismissed and even hated by the "blues" long before Trump came along. Can't we be better?

I think we can. But it takes conscious effort.

One thing that has given me hope in the last few months is attending virtual events organized by BraverAngels.org. It helps me remember that "they" are our fellow American's. Everyone deserves the dignity of being listened to. It's not about discussion to change minds, It's about listening and asking questions to understand. It's helped me explore my own principles and how my life shaped them. And hearing the experiences that have shaped beliefs I'm utterly opposed to provides some insight. There are moderators to facilitate conditions that enable all the participants to walk away feeling, at a minimum, that they were treated with respect.

And a little respect goes a long, long way.

Sorry if this is "off track," but I feel like Trump has provoked a meaness in folks on "our side" that is doing more damage to our humanity than we realize.

My thoughts are with you and all the others in the storm's path. May the power outages be shorter than feared and recovery from the losses as rapid as possible when it is all over.