Tara and I have blogged completely different reactions to the Iowa Supreme Court's gay marriage ruling. When we do that, we always hear from folks who wonder "how we do it."
For my part, I would say this: knowing and loving Tara has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Tara and I have a circle of friends with a wonderfully diverse set of beliefs.
I have rejected the "echo chamber" way of living--I don't exclusively surround myself with people who only reinforce my point of view. By being constantly challenged, I have learned to listen, to emphasize, and, to lovingly try to persuade.
From the rhetoric that I often hear and see in the media, I believe that more and more people are living in the "echo chamber." Most of the dialogue I hear is meant to crush and destroy the opposition--there's no attempt to persuade or find common ground. And there's no need if you don't have family and friends to temper your speech.
It's important for a number of us to step out--not only for me as an evangelical, but as a participant in the political process.
I am saddened by this chart--which shows first-year approval ratings among our recent Presidents. In his first year, Nixon enjoyed majority support among Democrats; Carter enjoyed such support from Republicans.
President Obama has the widest approval gap in his first year. Many will want to blame him--but honestly, isn't this more of a reflection of our political dialogue on both sides in this modern age?
1 comments:
By your comments on your blog, it is apparant that you reach out to other points of view, but Tara seems more partisan than you do. Maybe it was just the constant drumbeat of berating Sarah Palin that makes me think that way....No matter, I have a wide variety of friends and party affiliation has nothing to do with it!Thanks for thr reminder to remain big hearted.
Post a Comment