Political Values, or the value of politics, or how to be politically valuable, or.....

I have been pondering my political values during this depressing election season. I think to myself "I believe...." and go from there. I am cursed or blessed with seeing "all" sides of issues, and finding value in most (not all -- oh no, not all!) of what I imagine are the reasons behind political/social realities. For instance, no I do not think there is value in faulty scientific thinking, nor do I think there is value in just plain meanness, alot of which we see and hear about because it is just so newsworthy (!). But I can understand why somebody would feel angry at what they perceive to be a bloated government way too involved in the personal lives of citizens. But I can also understand that what you consider to be a bloated part of government that person over there might consider to be absolutely essential support for them as they negotiate this world. Sigh.

Also I have been considering my own behavior/attitudes during the Bush years and how I certainly have been guilty of saying nasty, depersonalizing things about GWB and his ilk (ok, right there -- "ilk" -- that is kind of nasty, isn't it?). And I think well how is that different from what I'm hearing and seeing these days from those who hate Obama and HIS ilk (ah, there, now it is all evened out). Of course, I never really went out and stomped on Bush supporters as they lay on the ground -- but let us not digress.....

I believe.....that the collective vision is more important than any one individual's vision. So that a focus on the "common good" is key in seeing what is, and thinking about what could be.

I believe, too, that "the least of these," i.e., those with the least social power, are to be considered when proposing changes or improvements or overhauls or defundings.

I believe there should be much less distance -- financially and socially -- between rulers and the ruled. I believe that wealth -- individual wealth, holding it close -- is not necessary for a thriving economy. I definitely believe there is such a thing as being "too rich."

I believe that we all have deep dark thoughts, prejudices, stereotypes, misunderstandings, irrational concerns, and that it would be good if we all acknowledged these in ourselves and others, and it would be even better if we acknowledged how things we think "should happen" often stem from these stereotypes, etc. Because I believe if we acknowledge this, we can move forward, but if we don't....we are stuck. I also believe that what I consider to be a prejudice, you could well consider to be a verifiable fact. So we go round and round.

I saw the movie "Waiting for Superman" recently which was at once so depressing and so inspiring. There are people doing amazing things in education with children that most of the system has written off. These are the people I want to read about and hear about on the news -- the people who transcend labels and go for the absolute highest standards and expectations -- people who basically radiate love and hope. And I have really high hopes for those kids whose lives these educators touch. Wow.

The Goodness of Retreat

1. Tradition. Happens every year, same time, same place. I can count on it.

2. Memories. Bad as well as good. Meaningful as well as boring.

3. The environment. The lake, the walks, the trees. Even when it rains, maybe especially when it rains, the feeling is one of coziness and safety.

4. Laughing. No need to say more!

5. Story-telling. Puzzles. Book group. Massage.

6. An awareness of the need for balance between socializing and alone time/refreshing by myself. I learned that big time at retreat.

7. And these folks!