I am still in America

Posted on November 3, 2004 in Campaign 2004 Hatred

I didn’t stay up last night. I never stay up watching the election returns, no matter which coast I happen to be on. I do this because I have learned not to allow the media to dictate my emotions.

I return to what I said two weeks ago: we’ve been given a terrific opportunity for witness on the behalf of social justice and compassion. This is a victory we can achieve here and now, over our hearts.

To my fellow bloggers, I urge a moratorium on hatred. Continue to criticize Bush policies, but do not make fun of him. Do not make fun of the angry white males and soccer moms. They are human beings, too. The key to future success lies in the Middle Path. Recognize that all human beings suffer.

I worried, to tell you the truth, what would happen if George W. Bush lost the election. Would he take a gun to his head? If this result occurred, it would have wounded me. The Democrat to whom I confided this did not see the danger, but we must remember that Bush is authentically sick. As are his supporters. As many of us are.

When you realize that all life is suffering, then you cannot but help feel pity for even Dick Cheney and George Bush. They labor with the terrible pathology called materialism, fear of loss of control, addiction to power. These are never kind masters.

Prepare to love them as you speak out to reform them.