It is so very easy for each of us to express our anger visibly.  On the other hand, withholding judgment with those with whom we disagree requires giving criticism sparingly and acknowledging our solution might not be the best option.

We Americans are politically caught up in an aura of distrust while a multitude of hate groups, led by white supremacists, are often hailed as heroes.  I personally think that when it comes to politics the words compromise and respect are essential elements in a healthy society. Positions we and others take are seldom totally right or totally wrong. I’m old enough to remember a time when my husband and I, after casting our vote, would laughingly say, “I just cancelled your vote!”

Today, I turn to the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to enlighten my journey.  May his words speak to each of us.

There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.

I have decided to stick to love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear.

There comes a time when silence is betrayal.

We can never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was ‘legal.’

Photo of Dr. King from the website of The King Center in Atlanta, GA.

Certainly, there are various degrees involved in the concepts of love and hate.  It seems nothing profitable for our nation or the world would ever get done if someone didn’t get upset over something they deem immoral or despicable.  Our anger is only productive, though, if it evolves into acts that lead to healthy resolutions. However, unchecked anger, egged on by hate groups, can produce disastrous results.

That said, I offer some of my salient thoughts for 2020 while recognizing you have every right to disagree with me.

• While respecting the legal rights of individuals or groups to the use a weapon for sports or self-defense, I will shun political candidates that either by their actions or rhetoric refuse to commit themselves to gun control measures on semi-automatic guns.
• I can’t vote for a candidate who refuses to take a firm stand on human rights.  It’s past time we Americans respect each other regardless of skin color, sexual identity or religious preferences (including the right to have no faith).
• I will not vote for a candidate–Republican, Democrat or Independent– who spends more time downgrading his/her opponents than they do in sharing their well- calculated proposals for improving the lives of all Americans.

Today and every day, I choose love over hate, and every day I choose to surround myself with others who do the same.

Contrary to the teasing of some current family members, I was not at this election, but I always vote. This image is from the League of Women Voters website, regarding their history.

The League of Women Voters of the United States encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.  The League is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.  You can also register to vote, find your polling place, ballot info, and more at VOTE411.org.