Exchanging Unpleasantries

Religion.  Politics.  Sexuality.  Bioethics.  Racism.  Money.  Is there anything else I'm not allowed to talk about?  Ok.  I think that leaves work, family, Pinterest and the weather (though perhaps not because we might disagree on climate change).  Let's face it, talking about things we might disagree on would be unpleasant and uncomfortable.  Comfort is paramount and must be maintained, at all cost.  If conversation centers around things that don't matter, no one will be offended and we can get by with exchanging pleasantries.

Welcome to the land of political correctness.  The powers that (we allow to) be make the rules about what we ought to say and how we ought to say it.  To offend is the cardinal sin, and with the rules above, offense is always close at hand.  I am no political analyst.  I am no history buff.  I'm not even 30 year old, but it seems to me that these conversational taboos are the things we should be talking about. 

Let me qualify that last sentence.  There are some people who talk about difficult issues by holding up nasty signs and yelling angry things.  There are other people who jabber about current events like it's celebrity gossip but don't bother doing any research or macro-evaluation of the issue.  I think time would be better spent putting down the picket signs, coming in off of the street corner, pouring a cup of coffee and doing a bit of thoughtful non-Facebook-based inquiry. 

What do you think about euthanasia?  Does it set a precedent for ending the lives of the voiceless, or does it allow nature to take its course a bit faster?  How about two guys being recognized as married?  In what ways does it affect the status of a man and woman who are married?  In what ways does racism still exist in the South towards whites or blacks or anyone else?  Is there a God?  If so, why do bad things happen?  I could go on, but let's not overwhelm you with the possibilities. 

I know.  You're disappointed.  You were perfectly content talking about the labraschnitzadoodle puppy your sister came home with and the Thai restaurant you ate at last night.  Let Washington worry about what to do about illegal immigration and Planned Parenthood's treatment of African American women.  Let schools worry about how to teach money management and generous stewardship.  Let the church teach my kid about right and wrong.

There's a problem with only talking about labraschnitzadoodle puppies and Thai restaurants.  "Land of the free, home of the brave" is not a default setting.  Nations don't start out as virtuous and prosperous, nor do they continue as such if left to themselves.  Governments don't always gravitate toward justice, and leaders are not always drawn to wisdom.  It is by the active, thoughtful involvement of a people of integrity that nations succeed. 

John Adams, the second President of the United States wrote this in a letter in 1798: "should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation, while it is practicing iniquity and extravagance, and displays in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candour, frankness, and sincerity, while it is rioting in rapine and insolence, this country will be the most miserable habitation in the world." (emphasis mine)

Catch that?  Here's a paraphrase, "if Americans ever settle for talking about the right thing instead of doing the right thing , the U.S. is going to be a crap country".  Ha.  Adams wrote this over 200 years ago.  I love being an American, and I think we enjoy more freedom than most of the world.  I would argue that that is exactly why we shouldn't shy away from speaking of what is difficult.  How can we do what is difficult if we aren't even willing to talk about it?   

There might be some areas where you and I have different ideas.  So what?  That's OK.  Let's exchange some thoughtful unpleasantries.  I don't mean all the time and at every Christmas party, but know what you think and be able to back it up.  Disagreeing doesn't have to mean you're rude.  Take my good man, Patrick, for example, in his speech in favor of being independent of England.  He certainly isn't talking about easy issues, but he's not making silly ad hominem arguments either. 

"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve…  and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings."

 - Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

Go ahead, think about something controversial.  Better yet, read long and hard about it.  After you've examined both sides and taken a look at history, go on and do something about it.  Let's agree to disagree - passionately, candidly and thoughtfully.

Happy belated 4th of July,

Long live the land of the free and the home of the brave,

Little Miss Sunshine