Relax, America. It’s OK to talk to your neighbors again. I have proof that we are not as hopelessly and irretrievably different from one another as our recent political differences would suggest.
What is this proof?
“Michigan roads suck.”
That’s one of the indisputable comments this past week from readers all over the state when I asked for things that unite us rather than divide us.
Another was this from Workingdad: “We can all agree that the 2018 Detroit Tigers would require an intervention from God in order to (make) the playoffs.”
I actually disagree with this one. I don’t even think God could fix this wretched bunch. But you see what I’m getting at. We human beings may have different political and religious views, but we are 90 percent alike on just about everything else, and I think it’s high time we started remembering that.
It’s safe to say most of agree on:
“Homemade food on a picnic in the park.” – Barb N.
“Garden tomatoes in August. Good car mechanics. A 5-year all-clear cancer report.” – Suze.
“Kindness. We all want some kindness. Give a little, you get back a lot.” – Jean.
“Sleeping on sheets dried in the sun, that first cup of coffee in the morning, running out of school on the last day, paying off a loan.” – Shelley C.
“Watching our children grow into successful adults and marry great spouses that give us beautiful grandchildren.” – Jim P.
“Family eating dinner together at the table, at every opportunity.” – Allen P.
“Marvin Gaye’s music, Van Morrison’s, Ella Fitzgerald’s … and brownies.” – Tom.
“Beach fires, and fall colors in da Yoop. And puppies.” – John M.
“The laughter of a baby.” – Beth R.
“If you wish to persuade people, the worst way to do it is by attacking them and calling them names.” – Gary F.
“The feeling you get listening to a child sing. And hot buttered popcorn!” – Sue S.
“Mid-day naps, family couch cuddles.” – Catherine T.
“Good neighbors.” – Jennifer M.
“Hugs.” – Julie P.
“Ice cream, a good book and great music.” – James W.
“A good night’s sleep, a good doctor’s report, an A on a paper or exam, a call from your son or daughter, holding hands, a cool breeze on a warm day, a finished project, comfortable shoes, a kiss, a surprising check, finding something that was missing.” – Susan H.
“A sunrise that brings the promise of a possible new day.” – Dale R.
“A quiet trail through the woods. The sound of singing birds in the morning. Friends.” – Dennis W.
“Pineapple chunks, soaked in coconut rum. Jumping in the lake after running down the dock. I’m 50+ years old and I still love that feeling!” – Lisa W.
“The first time someone cuts the grass and there’s a baseball game on the radio (think Ernie)”- Lynn F.
“A deep laugh that makes you cry.” – Laura B.
I’ll add a final one myself: Most of us agree on the wonderfulness of the Beatles. And the Beatles said, “All you need is love.”
OK, and maybe a little perspective. After all, only a few things divide us. But millions unite us.
Let’s try to keep that in mind moving forward, shall we?
Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash
I love this column! I have also thought for some time that it is the job of polititians to convince us how unhappy we are and that if we will only vote for them, they will make our lives satisfied. Our problems certainly do need to be addressed, but the government is not the source of my happiness.
This is indeed a wonderful column! After reading about all the crime, violence, and greed, all these beautiful thoughts come out; a feast for our eyes and ears. Where are you people? C’mon out and help heal the difficult days! I love to write about things like this, but God told me to just sit back and enjoy your wonderful thoughts and gifts. Thank You!
I’m in, Andy. Actually I always have been. Good thoughts from your column, always appreciate seeing it in my e-mail and miss your regular columns in the Citizen Patroit, along with Brad Flory’s.
We Americans all can agree on HORSES. Every American cowboy has a trusty horse. American country people ride horses. And, fancy American people also have horses. Extremely fancy Americans actually race horses. But, it is not a political divide.
Every racehorse has a rich owner, a fancy trainer, a star jockey, and many Latino and African-American grooms and attendants. The horses themselves are pro athletes. We all are fans. Horses transcend our human social classes. Fancy New Yorkers, hickey country folk, and everybody else, including me.
And, not every horse is a race horse. Get out, and smell some horses, please. Horses are more American than many American politicians.
“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.”
-Elie Wiesel
“My mother was born in Munich in 1934, and spent her childhood in Nazi Germany surrounded by nice people who refused to make waves. When things got ugly, the people my mother lived alongside chose not to focus on “politics,” instead busying themselves with happier things. They were lovely, kind people who turned their heads as their neighbors were dragged away.”
-Naomi Shulman
SCOTUS justce Brett Kavanaugh!