An Open Letter to Republicans and Democrats

This is not a blog about politics. This is a blog about owning less and living more.

But, like every American, I have been struck by the tragedy of the Tucson Massacre last weekend. Innocent people died that day… good people died that day… a 9-year old girl died that day.

And while the jury is still out on the exact motivation of the killer, one thing became clear during last night's Memorial Service in Tucson: the United States of America must once again become united. We are one nation. We are one people. We are one piece in the only world we've got. And while we need not agree on all points of politics, we must make every effort to pursue unity.

We need humility. Our specific political party does not hold all of the answers. During my short lifetime, on numerous occasions, both political parties have held significant majorities in government. But our problems still exist. It is clear that no one, single political party holds all the answers. In other words, we need each other.
We need patience. Our problems did not start overnight. And they will not be solved overnight.
We need appreciation. Republicans love and serve America. Democrats love and serve America. The sooner we appreciate that fact (and our differences), the sooner we can work together towards a common goal.
We need to stop assuming intentions. Our nation faces problems – it always has and always will. And good people will always differ on the best solution. But making sweeping assumptions about an opposing viewpoints' intentions will never move the debate forward. It is the easiest way to discount any valid, opposing argument. It is also one of the most damaging. In fact, in my opinion, it is one of the primary reasons that civility has completely vanished from our political discourse.
We need maturity. We can not afford any longer to be tossed back and forth by men or women who profit from sharp, stinging, political discourse. Debating politics in the public arena is good and to be encouraged. But dividing the country for the sake of profit is not.
We need wholesome talk. Remove falsehood, rumors, and gossip. Instead, our words need to benefit anyone who will listen and build up everyone who hears them.
We need less bitterness, rage, anger, and slander. These attitudes and actions always escalate and only produce more of themselves. They have never resulted in solutions… and they never will.
We need more kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. Towards each other – in our daily lives and in our politics.

I'm not naive enough to think that the simple application of "patience," "appreciation," or "wholesome talk" will solve our world's complicated problems. But I do think they hold the key to uniting this country once again… or at least, enough to prevent the senseless death of good, innocent people.

And that's one thing all of us can agree on.