A visitor and I discussed politics. She noted that people had to stop saying it's about education and instead recognize the varying realities people experience in our country. For example, she discussed "Jesus" and the varying realities people embrace with respect to that person, god, concept, and religion. She said that rather than hold the opinion that someone is wrong or right, educated or ignorant in relation to Jesus, people have to recognize the large variety of realities people hold related to Jesus. She held the view that we're not going to change people, but instead we have to work with the realities that exist rather than trying to change who people are or what they believe.
As one who has always held the notion that a good education will make the change in mindsets we need, I listened carefully to this women's perspective as she's highly educated, well traveled, and has faced a great diversity of life experiences over her long life. While she doesn't change her mind or beliefs when she meets those with opposing views, views that may even demean who she is, she will listen and respond respectfully with her truth.
This visitor is a full proponent of education, but she's also a deep believer that we're not going to change people's minds when it comes to deep seated beliefs and experiences. So rather than judge or try to change, we need to deal with that reality.
I asked this woman what she believes has to happen in our country to right our direction in ways that foster greater respect and equity. She said that the number one priority is to get people to vote, and then went on to cite the horrifying statistics related to how few people do exercise their right to vote which means that a small percentage of Americans who do exercise their right to vote, have greater power. She went on to say that the percentage of people voting in local elections is even less, and that it's the power at the local level that affects the power at the national level.
I will think more on this wise women's words and read more about it too. In the meantime, I'll work to get out the vote and support the good candidates out there who are truly working to uplift and better lives everywhere in the world. Onward.