Tom Klecker
St. Joseph
Yesterday, my neighbor came over and informed me she called the police in response to the theft of the political campaign signs in her yard.
I will NOT be voting for any of the candidates she is advocating for in this political bloodbath season.
I have known my neighbor for two years. She is an intelligent discerning woman as to the reasons for her political/social opinions.
I think it’s fair to say we do not agree on much of anything along the current political spectrum. But out of mutual respect for one another, we have an understanding that goes beyond just maintaining civility in our conversations.
While I am inclined to disagree with my neighbor, I honestly welcome her perspectives, as she does mine. Her position on several issues compels me to re-examine my opinions, values, beliefs and priorities. It becomes an opportunity to mentally defend them, to re-examine that of which I hold forth as truth, fairness and moral.
The great Chinese philospher/warrior Sun Tzu once said: “Wise is the person who thoughtfully ponders the perspective of an adversary.”
It’s increasingly becoming a sad commentary when people who have the courage of their convictions to publicly acknowledge their view are threatened and ridiculed – be it in direct confrontation or surreptitiously.
Destroying political yard signs is not a cataclysmic event. Perhaps it’s just again more evidence as to the political times.
Like many things in life’s journey, passions and beliefs are good, energizing and growth-filled, but only if managed.