Kindness is a powerful force
To the Editor:
Political leaders are claiming they want to unite Americans. What they suggest is a top-down system which they can take credit for, rescuing millions of people all at one time.
Not much is said about the counterpoint — working from the bottom upward individually, yet as a collective whole. As Willie Nelson moans, “At a time when the world seems to be spinning hopelesslyout of control….” What leaders may see is merely part of the healing we can bring about — the macro. Little is said to remind us we can individually toil on the micro level.
Our outgoing as well as incoming president have each carried out massive pardons to protect people who basically share their views. This is powerful pardoning. But does it evince the tolerance we need toward each other today? Does the individual retain this type of tolerance? Only if we recognize the power of tolerance that each of us has.
Legendary Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot sang, “ ... but, heroes often fail.” Indeed, they do. Especially when they fail to remind us of our individual capability to practice tolerance. Presidents, religious leaders, educational leaders, other people who are blessed with influence need to recognize this fact.
We must choose both systems in America — the macro as we elect leaders as well as our very own individual micro influence with our neighbors.
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Remember what the great Glen Campbell sang, “You’ve got to try a little kindness.” Is that not what Biden just did? Trump? Are we safe to judge their motives? As Kathy Mattea said, “You’ve got to come from the heart if you want it to work.” They will have to sleep with their decisions as each of us will on our individual basis.
Kindness may be the mightiest force on earth.
Dave Waldrop
Sylva
