Politics Turns People Into Enemies
By: Floyd Mori
Tags: Hate, Politics, Congress, USA, Love

Politics Turns People Into Enemies

Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash

The world needs more love

People are more alike than different as noted by many leaders. All people basically want life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone wants to have security and to be happy. We all want a family which loves us and friends who care. We want a home in which to live and the necessities to sustain life. Most people want to help others if at all possible. Although there are selfish narcissists who are concerned only with themselves, most people seem to care about the world and its people.

This is a time of political divide unlike any other. People of religious backgrounds and those who do not espouse any religious leanings are not abverse to expressing hate to others. There is a lot of anger expressed toward people of opposite political persuasions. The recent campaigns for political office showed extreme hate and vitriole. The attack ads were vicious.

The racism that was exhibited with the killing of George Floyd and the aftermath of his death resulted in many people becoming engaged in peaceful protests and demonstations. Some turned violent. Racism made people become enemies. Those who were opposed to the Black Lives Matter Movement were hateful to those who were involved with trying to stop the racism. The feelings went both ways.

Christians believe in the Holy Bible. These words can be good advice for all people. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43–44).

Donald Trump has shown extreme hatred for all Democrats and particularly Nancy Pelosi. He has criticized her mercilessly. She has retaliated with some words of her own. Pelosi is a religious person who has said that she prays for Trump. Obviously, she prays for her enemies. [Nancy Pelosi happens to be a friend whom I respect and admire.]

Loving our enemies and those who express hatred toward us is not easy. It is hard to forgive and forget when people have been cruel and disrespectful. It takes a very good person to be able to accept such treatment and not retaliate at least with words.

We all have to live in this world together. Peace is much better than war. Love is better than hate. It would make the world a better place for all of us if we could all get along.

It used to be that members of Congress could agree to disagree without hating each other. That does not seem to be the case at the present time. So many former members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have said that it used to be much more civil. They could debate and come to compromise without being enemies.

The United States is a wonderful place to live even with all its flaws. Immigrants have wanted to come here for many years, and they still are trying to come to the USA to gain a better life. This is a great country.

We should all try to get along. Having friends is so much better than having enemies. It will require more people willing to express love instead of hate.