What Matters

What Matters

by Lori Slager

(Copyright 2020)

I don't care...

If you love Trump,

because you make me laugh when we're together.

I don't care...

If you love Obama,

because I see how you grieve your mother.

Do you care?

I don't care...

If you're a vegan

because I feel good when you are here.

I don't care...

If you're a carnivore

because as a friend, you're always there.

Do you care?

What matters is our humanity,

What is felt between you and me.

What matters is the way we see,

The reflections of ourselves so clear,

When we look into each other's eyes.

I don't care...

If you hate Trump,

Because you love your children so.

I don't care...

If you hate Pelosi,

Because your hugs lift me from being low.

Do you care?

I don't care...

What you think about gender

Because I see only your kindness.

I don't care...

What you think about the climate

Because the warmth between us is my fuel.

Do you care?

What matters is our humanity,

What is felt between you and me.

What matters is the way we see,

The reflections of ourselves so clear,

When we look into each other's eyes.

Don't let our politics divide us;

We are not made of just these views.

We must not box each other in

Because we reach different conclusions.

We see the world through different eyes,

Shaped by our singular experiences.

Let me love your heart, your passion, your emotion.

Please accept my unconditional devotion.

I was your friend before political campaigns,

I'm still me, I haven't changed.

I see the qualities that are unique,

How you treat the world around you.

Your politics are not your character,

It's your integrity that is.

Can you still see how much I care?

Can you still see me?

Will you dare...

To look beyond, behind, and around

To appreciate the person that you first found, in me?

I don't care...

What gods that you believe in,

Because you reach out to the whole community.

I don't care...

If you are an atheist,

Because you have faith in humanity.

I don't care...

If your house is clean and germ-free,

Because your door is open.

I don't care...

About your tattoos, or piercings, or clothing,

Because your heart is beautiful.

What matters is our humanity,

What is felt between you and me.

What matters is the way we see,

The reflections of ourselves so clear,

When we look into each other's eyes.

What matters is that we are free,

To think, and feel, and live and be,

As different people, you and me,

As members of humanity.

Crossing the line

Anyone who knows me also knows that I am staunch detractor of President Obama and his Marxist policies. There are many people who agree with me. In fact, this entry may surprise some people.

On facebook, there is a group "DEAR LORD, THIS YEAR YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE ACTOR, PATRICK SWAYZIE. YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE ACTRESS, FARAH FAWCETT. YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE SINGER, MICHAEL JACKSON. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW, MY FAVORITE PRESIDENT IS BARACK OBAMA. AMEN." I found the rhetoric in the title to be offensive and must say something.

With the current media blitz against anyone, especially the Tea Party movement who are speaking out against the current administration it is essential that our protests and assemblies remain calm, rational and above all, non violent. So far, the Tea Part has remained peaceful and I see no reason to believe that it would change. Even the gun rights protest in front of the Capitol where participants openly displayed their loaded weapons neither brandished nor opened fire. It was peaceful and was a positive showing that law-abiding firearm owning citizens are not violent.

To wish for, or worse pray for the president's death is abhorrent. It is fundamentally wrong to wish for anyone's death. Here is what really gets to me though. Some of the people who indicated that they "Liked" the group profess to be Christians. Although my faith seems to have taken a permanent hike, I still know that it is not Christian to wish death upon someone with whom you disagree. In fact, I find this to be base hypocrisy. What were they thinking? I would like to know. It is incomprehensible to me that one could be filled with such hatred. Hate the deeds, not the man. Disagree. Be vocal. Arm yourself with facts and truth. Then let's talk. I can get behind that. I cannot under any circumstances, however, get behind wishing for the premature death of our president.

Just think if some crazy nut job read the title of that group and took it upon him or herself to bring about such an outcome! The man has children. They don't deserve that kind of trauma. The children are innocent! Then there is the political fallout. Assassination would set back the goal to rebuild America so far, it might render it impossible. People... THINK about what you align yourself with and the consequences thereof. I understand your frustration and anger. I want things to change too. There is a RIGHT way to bring about change, and there is, most definitely a wrong way. The last thing we need is to have martyred president. The thought of wishing death on him sickens me... and it should you too!

If one takes the time to look at the postings on the group, it would become clear that there are many people who are very passionate on both sides of the aisle. The sad part is, rather than debate, there is childish name-calling and mud-slinging. I hope whomever set up the group quickly realizes that negativity begets negativity, which is never productive.

:::: stepping off soapbox ::::

Now on a completely different level, there is humor in the title of that group too. Patrick Swayze and Farah Fawcett as favorite actors? Really? Please! They were both sex symbols, but I don't think many would characterize them as great actors. This, I found amusing.

***IMPORTANT: While I was researching the site to write this blog, I inadvertently clicked in the "Like" button. As soon as I realized it (many hours later, unfortunately), I un-liked it and issued an open apology. I was mortified that I was connected with such a hateful place for even one minute! ***