Unity

Well this seems to be the new most popular word in the US of A. Now that we’ve seen the back of Donald Trump (sorry, but I’ve no patience for those who don’t at least feel a sense of relief on that point), everyone seems to be talking about how to ‘unite’ or how to eliminate all the ‘divisiveness’ or how to establish ‘unity.’

Is it even possible? Trumpees think that the liberals have no right to trumpet about unity after bitching about the Donald for 4+ years. Many of those on the “other” side are sure that Trump needs to be punished (impeachment, jail, take your pick), as justice needs to be served for his contribution to the anarchy on 1/6/21, amongst other things.

Why does there always need to be ‘sides’ or ‘teams?’ Those on one team always have to root only for their team. This is so different from sports though – I love Manchester United, but accepted that Liverpool were champions last year and still love my Liverpool friends (most of the time). Of course their differences are not as pronounced as mine are with those of the people who still believe in Emperor Trump. I have a hard time sympathizing with them.

I think democracy is messy….necessarily so. People will disagree…no, people NEED to disagree. It’s what makes our way of life better in the long run. If I need to be labeled, I guess i characterize myself as fiscally conservative but socially liberal. (woah, can you have both tag lines?). I have plenty of time for understanding my more conservative (or more liberal) friends. I do, however, want a government that can accommodate diversity of input but provide appropriate leadership. Can we find a way to disagree, yet accommodate that level of diversity?

Good leadership in fact brings unity! When a strong leader has a vision and creates trust, people will follow. (um, you can’t really lead if nobody will follow, ya?). Yes, Trump has lots of followers, but sorry, you can’t just tend to your own flock when you are leading a country. If you are leading a company, you can exit people who don’t buy into the leadership vision and strategy. Maybe you can tend to your own flock if you are leading a church, but a country like this is BUILT on diversity and necessarily needs a big tent. People at least need to feel that they belong. I didn’t agree with much of what President Bush did, but I never felt like I didn’t belong or that he wasn’t a legitimate President. I wonder how many people feel that badly right now.

I’m rooting for Joe Biden; I think he’s a decent guy, and is going to try to do the right things. To me, that’s a heck of a start, and earns my trust for the time being. Unity will be in degrees and will be evaluated over time. (hard to figure it can get worse).