A note to a friend
I exchanged a note with a discouraged and like-minded friend this morning. Thought I’d excerpt it for the rest of my friends as well.
First of all, don’t ever forget that many of those urging us to ‘work together’ would be the same people screaming rebellion in the harshest terms had the election gone the other way.
When I engage with those (many) who disagree, I often find there is much common ground on the things I most care about - such as the deficit and what it means for the future of our children and theirs - even if the paths we see as the best ones to resolve those issues are different - sometimes very different.
I have never been comfortable with the social conservative wing of the GOP, and it is fear of that wing of the party and the conservative viewpoint that has basically scared off more than 50% of the country. Advocating for fiscal responsibility, living within our means, and reduction of the deficit - those are not the issues that lost this election. The GOP needs to figure that out or it’s going to be a long time in the wilderness.
It’s hard to believe a smooth-sounding word that comes out of Obama’s mouth since his actions so seldom connect to his rhetoric. We’ll see if we can actually arrive at any sorts of compromise solutions - I am very skeptical. Perhaps I’m wrong, in which case I will be the first to tone it down.
But viewpoints need advocates. I don’t plan to give up any friends, but I have every intention of continuing to stand up for the things I believe in. I hope - for the sake of your kids’ and my kids’ future - you will continue to do the same.
