UNCERTAINTY: STUDY GUIDE—POLITICS
Apology
This entry starts with an apology. The hope was that this segment would have come about a week ago and then thought was given to the upcoming presidential debate. That event has informed some of what. Follows. It took some time to swallow, digest, and eliminate some of the debate and subsequent analysis. Then, our nation’s first family was diagnosed with the virus that grips the world. It seemed appropriate to witness some initial responses and the uncertainty of these events before offering a few words. The words below are filled with statements that can be modified and claimed by those holding far more extreme views than I hold, however, they are written as illustrations not declarations in most cases. Having said this...here goes. Something?
The Selling of Uncertainty
This blog has already highlighted how politics has become a ocean of selling uncertainty and fear. The formula is easy. Make a statement that. Your opponent is going to take away something or create some horrible circumstances if. Elected. Then if you please, however, it’s not alway done, you can mention you will do something different if elected. This is a simple formula because you can characterize an opponent based on a single factor like health care distribution—Health care distribution? He we have a lot of health care in this country and in the world the debated is not about availability per se it is about access, the right to choose, payments for, and control over what profits may be available. In short it’s not about “health care” it is about health “Justice.”
Anyway this process of characterizing someone according to one single factor introduces simplicity and for some simplicity reduces uncertainty. The problem of course is that logic and common sense migh argue. That simplicity in this way can lead to trouble. After all. Classifying a human according to one trait is the same as saying most skunks have black or dark hair with a light stripes so don’t hit someone who has dark hair with a graying. Streak because you’ll never be able to get the smell off your car. Most mass murders have 10 fingers and ten toes when they are born, however, what do a lot of parents look for. When their children come into the world? Oh...too harsh?
Anyway in dealing with political uncertainty and trying to seek peace and joy beware of single character definitions because they. Can have you bouncing back and forth like some philosophical lottery ball.
Paper or Plastic—the Great Debates
Less than a week ago the world and most notably the American public had an opportunity to witness the inevitable product of our debate system. Tad it extreme? Yes. Was it educational? Yes—however, not in the way that was anticipated. Was it expected? Well perhaps it could have been—what?
As stated many times in other posts and above we have bought into this culture of pushing. Matters into the extremes. We have, often as a culture, valued a “in order for me to win someone has to lose” stance. So we bring these into a stage where making the first and most outlandish statement seems to have some advantage and. Bingo..... you have the ingredients for the classic recipe for disaster. It does matter that this debate was supposed to be presidential and hopefully. Preschoolers weren’t taking notes...now let’s talk seeking peace and. Joy in a different dialogue and call it a debate if you wish.
The “Yes land” Debate.
What if candidates were brought into a conversation by the moderator and presented with the two opposing viewpoints on an issue-after all we have a lot already. Then a “yes and “ format were implemented. So the moderator or one of the candidates would take the issue and proposal a solution at which the other candidate could not discount or directly diametrically oppose the solution. Instead the second candidate had to add something that she or he thought would enhance the idea promoted by the first candidate. Then observations could be made in order to assess how well each candidate worked toward actually enhancing solutions and forming compromised enhanced formulations of circumstances? This would mean that. The two options for election would need to really understand and form some sort of “empathy” for a variety of practical and philosophical points. Of view surrounding a variety of significant life matters. It also might lead to some nonpartisan or “bi-partisan “ behaviors within pour government—-what a concept.
This sort of for more would promote unity rather than division—tolerance rather than tyranny , and civil discourse rather than civil war.
also in the “debate” we could introduce an improv creativity” segment where the candidates. And one assistant were given a topic and ten minutes to write a song, author a poem, write a short skit, etc that demonstrates a solution. Creativity is the path through most uncertain situations and if the debate is supposed to reveal how candidates will handle uncertain things—well—-let’s see how they work on something creative and use the talents of an assistant to build the most complete and robust solution quickly.
So to wrap up the political section.... I urge you to go out and get a copy of Lincoln’s first inaugural address and read the last paragraph or two. Search your soul and reaffirm your belief that selected and elected leaders are better than monarchs—in short vote.
The Uncertainty. Study Guide a Few Summary Notes
Rule 1. Uncertainty exists.
rule 2. We can’t change rule 1.
Rule 3. We have some choices about how to frame uncertainty and that choice can be to explore mysteries rather than to fear the unknown on a constant basis.
Rule 4. As a world, as a culture, and as individuals we will continue to hold on to some “as if” ideas that are mistaken and will need to work hard to forgive ourselves when we find some of the theories we have held are. No longer correct or functional. It is better to deal with all the mysteries out there with some degree of modest humility than to scream about how wrong someone else might be because usually the most rich and most powerful folks shine the most blinding lights.
Rule 5. It doesn’t matter who you elect if you don’t take personal pride and responsibility for yourself and in our system your neighbor to some degree. is this saying the best way to handle uncertainty in politics is by following the golden rule—-yep
Rule 6. Walk with someone on this uncertain journey... more than one someone if. Possible... scared and lonely. Is a rotten place...adventures are usually better shared . Take a look at “earth from space and. Understand we are pretty much all in this together bound by gravity and our I’m perfect human nature.
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