In a recent post I referenced this idea that we pick and choose what we care about. If it affects me, I care. But if it doesn\u2019t directly affect me, it\u2019s a little bit out of sight, out of mind, so-to-speak. I\u2019m thinking that\u2019s not always the wisest approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I\u2019m sensing we oft entertain an equally unwise approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get there. But first, allow us to acknowledge what pollster persons are suggesting we currently, collectively care most about now that election season is in full (sometimes a little even annoying) <\/em>throttle. According to multiple polling outlets (including those sponsored by left, right, and center-leaning sites, such as the New York Times, Rasmussen Reports, and Reuters), <\/em>the most important issues to Americans in order of priority are currently as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Or\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those two issues are consistently, currently dominant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Issues of significant, collective concern to voters across the country also include violent crime, immigration, foreign policy, the state of democracy, abortion laws, climate approach, and increased political polarization; however, each of these issues statistically pales in comparison to the above 1 and 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the most recently released analysis from Pew Research Center, only 17% of U.S. adults say the economy is in excellent or good shape. Reports Pew, \u201cAs has been the case all year, the economy is clearly the top issue for voters; fully 79% say it will be very important to their voting decisions \u2014 the highest share among 18 issues included on the survey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s tough out there right now, friends. Only 21% of us say our personal finances are stronger than they were a year ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But let us be respectful of all in different situations than self. Always. Which, therefore, leads us to the second, perceived equally unwise approach…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only do we tend to care most about the issues\/law\/legislation that directly affect us on a daily basis, we also get lured into this imperious idea that we know best what everyone else should most care about, too. For example\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because my student debt is now forgiven, you should care about that, too<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because I have a kid in Taiwan, you should care about that, too<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And not only should you care about it, you should care about it as much as I do!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Friends, I think we\u2019re making an understandable, but unmindful mistake. And it\u2019s a mistake that\u2019s hurting us far more than perhaps we know. We keep falling prey to this perspective that we know best what another should care about\u2026 that we know best what another should care about most\u2026 that we can determine that for another!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something seems so wrong in that to me. Something so shortsighted\u2026 non-empathetic\u2026 maybe ignorant, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No judgment, friends \u2014 we\u2019ve all been guilty. But I\u2019m thinking this side of eternity none of us are so discerning and capable to dictate what should be most important to another. A wiser approach would be to refrain from judgment, respect via empathy, and give each person \u2014 self included \u2014 the grace and space to be fully convinced and satisfied in their own mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In a recent post I referenced this idea that we pick and choose what we care about. If it affects me, I care. But if it doesn\u2019t directly affect me, it\u2019s a little bit out of sight, out of mind, so-to-speak. I\u2019m thinking that\u2019s not always the wisest approach. But I\u2019m sensing we oft entertain … <\/p>\n