The Struggle
“If you think there is a solution, then you are part of the problem,” - George Carlin
I viewed the 2024 US Presidential Election with more of an eye on the behavior of the citizens than the statements of the candidates. I am endlessly bemused, and saddened, at this competition. The belief by those devotees of either major party that when they “win”, something will be achieved. They will view their “opponents” as vanquished, and believe that the world is now inalterably changed in their favor. They seem to believe that their candidate(s) will implement rules that will lock in their collective ideals in perpetuity.
Conversely, the “losers” weep and writhe in anguish. Their utopian plans for the world have been dashed. How could those terrible people on the “other side” have voted for those awful people to run this country? Surely they don’t understand the land of fairness, equity, inclusivity and general harmony that would exist if only those “other people” had voted “correctly”.
Relax. Temper your celebrations, and dry your tears. Its just another day. The struggle is forever. There are no permanent states in this universe. Change is constant. The tides ebb and flow, as do relations between people. There will be other issues and other elections and new sets of people to vote in them. So, what to do?
Be honest, always. Be yourself, always. Go to your local coffee shop or pub and sip a beverage with someone who voted differently than you. Have an open, honest, calm discussion that actually seeks understanding. Maybe learn something. Park your ego outside the door. Don’t try to be “right”. Because…
There is no “right”. There is no “wrong”. There is no “finish line”. There is only values. Values born from our individual journeys and perceptions. See each other as human.
Perhaps, in my opinion, stop using the government as your “protector” from your neighbors. Stop looking for politicians to solve your problems. Stop looking for bureaucracies to control people who don’t agree with you.
Life is messy - let it be messy. Every answer creates a thousand new questions. We can’t keep paying for an increasingly bloated, useless government to control every detail.
Stop trying to vote in a set of people who will make all your problems disappear and deliver to you a life of safety, security and comfort.
Furthermore, don’t ever allow yourself to feel safe and comfortable. It dulls your edge. It makes you feel entitled to being protected. Its an illusion because, again, the struggle is forever. Every minute, every day. Nothing is guaranteed. The struggle IS life. Overcoming the most difficult obstacles and completing the most arduous journeys are the things that feel the most rewarding.
When we invite the government to be our protector we sell ourselves into slavery. They own us. And what are they protecting us from? They are “protecting” us from LIFE, from the struggle. This is an impossible task. Only very foolish people would accept this deal.
Life is tough. Get on with it.