Eight years ago today was the birth of the Intramuralist. I was so discouraged by the way people interacted with one another — by the way good, intelligent people seemed to forsake all wisdom, and forget to treat their brothers and sisters with the respect we each deserve.
That day, we began. This is what I wrote:
TOP 10 THINGS I LEARNED FROM THIS ELECTION CYCLE:
10. People will do anything to win.
9. Tina Fey is a comedic genius.
8. Limericks using “Obama” can be fun (“Homearama”… yo momma…).
7. Jesus would not be a Democrat OR a Republican.
6. Objectivity in the media cannot be assumed.
5. No party has a true grasp of all that encompasses social justice.
4. “Feminism” does not mean “in support of all women.”
3. People need to pray for our nation more than once every 4 years.
2. Most people don’t know how to respect those with whom they disagree.
And for this playful artist…
1. Both Presidential and ‘Veep’ candidates will be fun to caricature over the next 4 years!
As this election cycle closes, I find myself thankful that it’s over, weary of what it entailed, and hopeful for what is to come – and that’s regardless of whom I voted for. Two years for a campaign is too much… too much money, too much mudslinging, and too much manipulation. Each campaign attempts to manipulate us by promoting desired images, but not necessarily reality. Last I could tell, neither the Messiah, the anti-Christ, nor “George W” was running; neither Biden nor Palin was an idiot; and no administration has been a complete failure.
Let’s move ahead, being respectful of our leaders. Let’s get rid of using the word “hate.” And let’s engage in respectful dialogue in this country, remembering above all else that we pledge ourselves to be one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.
Time to run… need to find that sketch pad…
_____
What I wrote that day remains true eight years later. Change the year… change the candidates… buy a new sketch pad for caricatures. Regardless, my concern remains the same…
Do we get it? Do we truly understand?…
Do we understand that we are damaging relationships in our political disrespect?
Do we understand that surrounding ourselves with the likeminded is not a key to wisdom?
Do we understand that none of us have this all figured out?
And do we understand that no candidate takes the place of who God is and the plans he has for any nation?
Eight years later, I stand here, hoping for more… hoping we understand…
Respectfully…
AR
I don’t think people understand. This cycle is even worse than 8 years ago. Will we learn and come together after this cycle? I hope so.