A sense of community

In this time when society seems to be so politically divided and diametrically opposed to compromise, I wonder if it's possible to hold a completely different view/ideology from another person without disrespecting the person who holds it? I don't know...it's something I struggle with.

For instance, a friend whom I greatly admire has been involved with the peace and justice movement for years. She is a Jew and, as such, is bombarded by calls from colleagues to condemn Israel for its actions in the West Bank and Gaza. She is sometimes personally attacked for her religious beliefs.

Her response is one which I appreciate. She sees all zealotry as 'bad.' Extremist ideology, whether from the right or the left, Orthodox Jews or Islamic 'terrorists', Rush Limbaugh or Dick Cheney, the Christian Right, the Conspiracy Groups--anything which is all or nothing doesn't work for her, and she doesn't believe that it works for anyone. I agree.

Does that mean she doesn't respect the people who hold those views--well, I can't speak for her, but I know she doesn't respect the views.

And when I read the views of people who post on internet discussions or who e-mail me position papers on immigration, politics or the economy--or even about people who are unable to pay mortgages on their homes--and why should we pay for their mistakes--they imply, and sometimes directly say something like--these people are criminal, lazy or stupid. This is how it is and if you can't see that this is how it is, you are stupid. I can't accept this.

None of us is stupid--period--and each of us holds very strong political opinions, thoughts on how we've come to find ourselves upside down on our economy and most of us hold definite religious opinions...so who is right? Probably all of us have some things right and some things wrong and the rest depends on our lens and the amount of grey we are willing to entertain.

I tend to respect people who have found a way to be healthy and happy, to contribute to their communities, to be kind and open and respectful to others. For me, the bottom line is protecting the least among us and providing for the most--being kind and loving and happy and healthy.

For me, it's about creating a sense of community, while recognizing our differences and celebrating our commonality...not demonizing, criminalizing or degrading others or ourselves.