In the Name of Love…
Over time and in the world, so many people have done such dastardly deeds that my head aches and my heart hurts. In my own world, my parents raised my seven siblings and me in the Victorian environment of spare the rod, spoil the child, and Thou shall nots. Their love was often like a Punch and Judy show:
“I love you.” Whack!!
“I love you.” Wham!!
Mother: (pulling my hair hard enough to bring tears) Sally-Jane, do not talk back to me. The next time you disrespect me, I will personally walk you to the police station and leave you there.
It was certainly not today’s permissive environment of suggestions.
Mother: (smoke rising out of her frustrated ears) I don’t know where you heard that word, my precious. But what do you think about this… We won’t call Mommy that word while Nana is here. O.K.?
Maybe there’s something in between????
I don’t know what, but maybe something simple like consequences… not physical punishment or suggestions, just consequences for one’s words and actions.
But hey, it’s the month of Valentines, and I am thinking about love. Not sexual love. I’m not negating it, and from what I remember, I hear it is still great.
As I age and check out the internet and read what’s happening in the world, I am aware of a lack and loss of my version of love. The love of trust, respect, kindness, generosity, and the big one, my friends, acceptance of our differences.
There are 535 members of Congress. It has become clear to me that more than issues of immigration, pledges of money, and armaments to Israel and Ukraine, our Congress needs help in loving their way out of the messes they keep making.
There are one hundred Senators and 435 Congressmen and women. Oops! I wrote men and women. No, no, no, no! They are not men and women. They are little boys and little girls. Every time I get an update on any Congressional issues, it’s like visiting a daycare center. This one is hurling insults at that one. Another one is challenging someone else to a fight outside the school grounds, aka the Capitol. They tell lies about each other, just like I used to do when I wanted to get my “enemies” into trouble.
My Mother: (waggling her finger at 535 members of Congress) Shame on you. Never air your dirty laundry. Next time you do, you’re gonna get a mouth full of soap.
How ridiculous. All right, already, I know. I know. Different issues have more importance for different parties. However, they are all in the same honorable and august institution, like a family. I think back to times when I thought what was best for me would not be best for my family. I am and was no heroine. I still am pretty fearful. But enough times in my life, I looked beyond the mirror and saw the bigger picture. A sign that I was growing up. I think maybe that’s why I recognize Congressional behavior for what it is. It’s like watching myself when I used to have temper tantrums. My way or the highway. It isn’t always about me. And yes, thinking outside the box (party lines) is definitely an act of courage.
I used to think compromise was a dirty word. Indeed, if it means compromising my principles, like who I am and what I believe, not happening. I say that a little too glibly. I am a privileged American and can afford to say and do that… it certainly would not be true for many who live in dire and different circumstances. However, for this Congress, if a compromise means squeezing the toothpaste from the bottom, not the top… then be brave, withstand the slings and arrows of your weaker sisters and brothers, press down from the bottom of the tube, grow up, and get a little love in your life.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Right??? Of course, right!!!
P.S. A Frank Capra Valentine from me to you.
P.P.S. I used to think this trailer for the movie The Campaign was over the top. I am not so sure anymore.