United we stand. Divided we fall.

 I am not interested in telling others how to vote. This post is about a much greater matter.

2020 is a molotov cocktail of climate change, disease, isolation, unemployment, racism and polarization. My fear is the 2020 election is a lit match and America is the target. 

The Civil War in 1861 was caused by four factors including:   

1861

• Polarization (North vs. South)

• Slavery (abolitionists vs. slave states)

• Economy (cotton trade)

• 1860 Election Result (Lincoln vs. Southern Secession)

Lincoln was a Republican, and the Republican party opposed slavery. However, the south was for it because slaves were the backbone of its cotton economy. After Lincoln won the election and took office in 1861, Civil War broke out shortly thereafter. 

I wish this election was as simple as Republican vs. Democrat like every other election. Even more unsettling is the surge in gun sales. If history teaches us anything, the United States of America is on track for another Civil War:

2020

• Polarization (extreme liberalism vs. ultra-conservatism)

• Black Lives Matter (BLM) (BLM vs. Counter Protestors vs. Police)

• Economy (Covid19 shutdown)

• 2020 Election Result (TBD)

The Civil War in 1861 didn’t actually end until 1865. I want the pandemic to be over, the economy back on track and the social unrest to resolve. My question is can we skip Civil War Part 2? And, not defer peace until 2025?

Polarization dictates what people should think and anyone who goes against these predefined values is kicked out of the tribe or cancelled. 

Two polarized camps who believe, “I’m right and they are wrong.” Whatever happened to live and let live? Or agree to disagree? 

Simple disagreements balloon from mole hill to World War III in seconds. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m guilty of this as well. 

Covid19 turned society into the Wild West. Though I stood my ground, I did not feel good about that exchange. I’m incredibly grateful that it ended when it did.

In a world that shapes news to appeal to political slants, coupled with search results based on your location and political preferences, how can we engage effectively in critical thought?  

My friend Sarah is the polar opposite of me. Everything about us from status to politics to religion (and more) is different. We have had two very different experiences on this planet. Yet, her experience, ideas and opinions are no less valid than mine. Why? Because we share a crucial commonality: 

Respect.  

Such a novel idea in today’s climate. Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Anthony Scalia were notoriously close friends. So were Tip O’Neill and the original “MAGA” circa 1980, Ronald Regan.

Barack Obama and John Boehner; though I seriously doubt Obama chewed nicotine gum while Boehner puffed away. Off-camera? Please.

I bet they shared packs while debating the topic of the day in the Rose Garden. Nor would I be surprised if they smoked a joint on occasion.

Pre-Covid19, I received an invitation to a party that was predominantly Asian a year ago. I felt like a fish out of water and was the ONLY person who didn’t wear slip-on shoes, which were not permitted indoors.  

After the shoe debacle, two other things caught my attention. One, the spread was insane. I had never had Blue Fin sushi before. It was so fresh and tender that it melted in my mouth. 

Two, the professional grade karaoke machine with, count them—1-2-3-4-5—microphones. I “protested” that I “couldn’t possibly” sing as they offered me a microphone.

Gwen Stefani. Alicia Keys. Lady Gaga. Adele. Pink. And other musicians Asian people think I sound like. My confidence was through the roof so I went for the coveted white whale. The song that no person in their right mind should EVER attempt. Oh no—oooooh yes.

Whitney Houston’s, “I will always love you.” I was off-key…like waaaaay off! But they were incredibly sweet and cheered on the crazy lady with curls anyway! 

Our differences offer so many opportunities. Ideas. Friendships. Common ground. Sometimes we learn that we’re not all that different in the first place. 

The opposition may not be your friend or anyone you care to associate with. That’s okay. Regardless of your ballot choice on November 3, 2020, just remember that in the end, those you oppose, are still your fellow Americans. 

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