I usually don't political in my blogs. I leave that to others. But after this election year, I thought I would share my thoughts. I did share this on Facebook before Tuesday, November 6th.
I find myself telling me that I am glad that the election is over. The verbal attacks have been again intense this year. But then I remember 4 years ago, the verbal attacks didn't stop after the election; they got worse. Not only have Romney and Obama been throttling each other necks, but Matheson and Love were throwing mud at each other. I am sure their parents and/or mentors would not approve of or taught such behaviors. It is quite sad that the candidates engaged in such blistering accusations, but it is even sadder that voters and media commentators followed their example and engaged in such profane exchanges. The profanity used during the election year did not always include swearing and the usual foul language, but it was often full of condemning words. I found myself confused at some of the anger expressed. Both major parties were speaking lies and casting accusations at the other parties.
Some of my Facebook friends engaged in the mud throwing. Most of them that did, just posted the photo that expressed their view, but some felt a need to throw more mud when they post a comment about the photo. I had to limit what came thru my newsfeed, mostly to keep myself sane in time of bitterness. When I saw these postings I was reminded of the LDS hymn that has the words "Let Oft Speak Kind Words". Sometimes I thought of the words that Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke in April 2012 LDS General Conference "Let us put our stones down. Let us be kind." I am reminded of the quote "People in glass houses should not throw stones." We all live in glass houses and none of us are better than the other, even though we vote differently.
When the election was over in 2008, I thought the anger would subside. It didn't, people were offended that Obama won. A former student refused to do his exit interview because Obama was in the White House. And it is the same this year. A coal mining CEO, Bob Murray closed down a mine in Central Utah because Obama won. I see Facebook postings that blame the evils of the nation on election results. Why do people insist on beating a dead dog senseless? If the dog is dead, it is safe to say that the dog has no sense, therefore the job is done. Why waste the energy? The election is over, the votes have been counted - move on and live with the results. I remember when Bush lost to Clinton in 1992; he asked the American public to support Clinton. It had been a bitter battle for the White House like it was this year. But Clinton has became like a son to Bush, because both were willing to put turn their swords into plowshares and be kind to each other. They rebuilt the bridge they burned.
Secret Agent L. said, "Be kind. No exceptions." I don't know who Secret Agent L is or what kind of media he or she is from, but I like what was said. So now that the election is over, I hope Romney, Obama, Matheson, Love, members of congress and the senate, the media commentators and the voters can turn their swords into plowshares. Please don't beat the dead dog on the sidewalk senseless. Be kind and give it a proper burial. The dog won't know of your kindness. But others will know, even if you bury the dog quietly. As Dieter F. Uchtdorf said last April "Let us put our stones down. Let us be kind."
