A recent conversation embroiled with opinions, ultimate reasons, accusatory shouting matches, non-believers and believers, career minded and some not so much, those of both sexes, including male chauvinists of all age ranges, was perhaps one of the most satisfying, invigorating and lively conversations I have participated in for quite some time. Throughout my career I have tried to avoid subjects directly related to religion and politics unless in a group of clergy or politicians. The conversation mentioned contained neither group but all subjects were fair game. Truly a great eye-opening experience! Sadly, not all involved in this lively debate, cherished the moment as much as me.
For the record, we must first say: One must approach these moments with an open-mind, heart and an ability to absorb what others are trying to say even if they continue to say,"no, that's not exactly what I mean!" If someone is asked to vote on a motion, in a democratic society, it is usually a given that one will vote yay, nay or just abstain, or so one would think. Letting the chips fall where they may, you can't take back your vote. Pondering this thought for just a moment, I surmise many in the room looked around to see how the majority voted and rather than stand by their convictions, said "oh well, what the hell, I will go with the majority, they must be right!" Over the course of the next few weeks, the defeated dug their heals into the trenches, preparing for battle, taking bits and pieces out of context, seeking to rally the masses and reverse decisions. All's fair in love and war, past history not being learned, their mistakes, unfortunately altered all future hopes of moving forward and the situation remains at status quo.
Coining a new phrase, "return to the age of the dinosaurs," those who stand by their decisions, resigned. Those, who at some point were most outspoken, did a complete three sixty, crying wah, wah, wah and now again rub shoulders with those they sought to vilify. When I was asked my opinion, staunchly defending my beliefs, I replied, "how hypocritical, I am not a hypocrite nor do I intend to be branded as one. If we are "returning to the Age of the Dinosaurs," please accept my resignation.
So be it, decisions made, life goes on. Never one to dwell for long on the could of, should of or would of, lively conversations with constituents is always good for the soul. Perhaps a cleansing, certainly not a time to "clean closets" but to voice opinions, present facts and at the same time welcome and accept opinions. Dinosaurs, much like trying to "teach an old dog new tricks," welcome and accept nothing, forcing negativity into the forefront, hopes dashed, free-thinking society must "free-think" elsewhere. Sadly, repeating, rehashing, rephrasing, reiterating, dinosaurs refuse to change. Should they re-read history, many refusing to learn from their past, repeat mistakes, extinction is sure to follow.
Death is inevitable, yet one should never adopt the policy of "sticking your head in the sand." or becoming submissive to those who opt for grandeur through title. As eons pass us by at warp speeds, adaptation is necessary for survival, but acceptance of the status quo, refusing to "think outside the box," is a very boring journey!
For the record, we must first say: One must approach these moments with an open-mind, heart and an ability to absorb what others are trying to say even if they continue to say,"no, that's not exactly what I mean!" If someone is asked to vote on a motion, in a democratic society, it is usually a given that one will vote yay, nay or just abstain, or so one would think. Letting the chips fall where they may, you can't take back your vote. Pondering this thought for just a moment, I surmise many in the room looked around to see how the majority voted and rather than stand by their convictions, said "oh well, what the hell, I will go with the majority, they must be right!" Over the course of the next few weeks, the defeated dug their heals into the trenches, preparing for battle, taking bits and pieces out of context, seeking to rally the masses and reverse decisions. All's fair in love and war, past history not being learned, their mistakes, unfortunately altered all future hopes of moving forward and the situation remains at status quo.
Coining a new phrase, "return to the age of the dinosaurs," those who stand by their decisions, resigned. Those, who at some point were most outspoken, did a complete three sixty, crying wah, wah, wah and now again rub shoulders with those they sought to vilify. When I was asked my opinion, staunchly defending my beliefs, I replied, "how hypocritical, I am not a hypocrite nor do I intend to be branded as one. If we are "returning to the Age of the Dinosaurs," please accept my resignation.
So be it, decisions made, life goes on. Never one to dwell for long on the could of, should of or would of, lively conversations with constituents is always good for the soul. Perhaps a cleansing, certainly not a time to "clean closets" but to voice opinions, present facts and at the same time welcome and accept opinions. Dinosaurs, much like trying to "teach an old dog new tricks," welcome and accept nothing, forcing negativity into the forefront, hopes dashed, free-thinking society must "free-think" elsewhere. Sadly, repeating, rehashing, rephrasing, reiterating, dinosaurs refuse to change. Should they re-read history, many refusing to learn from their past, repeat mistakes, extinction is sure to follow.
Death is inevitable, yet one should never adopt the policy of "sticking your head in the sand." or becoming submissive to those who opt for grandeur through title. As eons pass us by at warp speeds, adaptation is necessary for survival, but acceptance of the status quo, refusing to "think outside the box," is a very boring journey!
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