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spiritwoman45
22314 posts
6/5/2016 10:46 am
Seeking Middle Ground


This started as a response to another blog but got way too long so I am posting it as a separate blog.

Fortunately immediate family had already immigrated to the US in our
grandparent's generation but both my companion, who is Jewish and I who am Pagan lost family still in Europe to the results of prejudice during WWII. Mine hid out in the mountains in Northern Italy. Fortunately they lived in that area and could do it, although my grandfather's only sister became ill, could not get medical treatment and not survive. My companion's European family? Not heard from again although his family did not stay close to their relatives remaining in Europe so the reasons for this were never confirmed.

Being raised with this fresh in the minds of our grandparents and being raised in an era of intolerance for minorities which we were, we are both what many here would call liberal both socially and politically (even if we own guns). Neither of us ascribe to the policies of either major party and are actually registered to vote in opposing parties. We keep our heads down and mouths mouths shut until we know our audience, even here in this radical land known as CA. I did have a few years of political involvement in the 60's but put that to rest once I had a family. I reserved sharing my spiritual beliefs for close family and like minded. About 10 years ago I finally "came out of the broom closet" , not in a radical way but do acknowledge who and what I am even when it is not comfortable to do so. My companion does not practice his spiritual inheritance but that does not change his ethnicity. He worked comfortably for a small Christian owned and run business for several years without difficulty. In my work as a social worker I had to be a non judgmental extremist, Fortunately it came easily, but not taking sides also has its consequences. You learn to separate personal things from work and work related socialization. It's really not that hard but no one seems to do it these days. You support your choices with actions and the way you live rather than with words that .

Why and how did we become this way? Because what happens when anyone insists everything has to be their way is personal for us. ANY and ALL of the polarization is frightening and dangerous. Any polarization takes us closer and closer to pre WWII Europe. Islamic terrorists are dangerous on a larger more obvious scale but the intolerance and demands of the extreme right and radical Christians appears to be just as divisive, hate mongering and frightening. Intolerance, polarization and the need to be "right" to the point of forcing others to conform is dangerous and frightening no matter which side it comes from. There is a vast difference between expressing our personal spiritual and political beliefs and insistence on society comping to them.

Most of all it is very important for all of us to be thankful that, no matter how "awful" it may seem at times we still live in a society where we can, at least in our own homes and places of worship, practice what ever belief system we choose. We can only maintain this by respecting others differences with tolerance and kindness.


Spiritwoman ^i^


MrsJoe 76F
17280 posts
6/5/2016 10:53 am

One word you used is the basis for the problems of polarizations....... RADICAL. And there are radicals in every group or segment of our society. They spread hate and distrust and in the past 10 years, we have seen more and more of it surfacing.
The radicals DEMAND everyone bow down to their demands and give them priority. Unfortunately, the 'regular' people gave them no attention as they started to push their radical agenda, thinking it would never happen.
But it has and is escalating, and now the 'regular' people are demonized for pushing back.


Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 12:41 pm

    Quoting  :

It will be a simple decision for me. My family and I will live at our remote lake property where we can live off of the land so to speak and will take our guns for hunting and for defense against all who come after us be they civilian or government but they will have to threaten our survival first since if left alone we can be completely self sufficient. Not the life any of us want but we are prepared if the need arises.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 12:46 pm

    Quoting MrsJoe:
    One word you used is the basis for the problems of polarizations....... RADICAL. And there are radicals in every group or segment of our society. They spread hate and distrust and in the past 10 years, we have seen more and more of it surfacing.
    The radicals DEMAND everyone bow down to their demands and give them priority. Unfortunately, the 'regular' people gave them no attention as they started to push their radical agenda, thinking it would never happen.
    But it has and is escalating, and now the 'regular' people are demonized for pushing back.
I agree with the radical explanation. I wonder if there are any "regular" folks left or if they will pass on as we do. My kids and extended family are pretty much what we would call regulars as I suspect yours are so my perspective is pretty slanted, I think. I am often left to wonder what the reality really is. Is it want we see on TV and read in the news or what we observe in our back yards and home towns? Enough to make anyone prone to conspiracy theories wonder not only about reality but who or what is really behind it.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 12:52 pm

    Quoting  :

Maybe from the "me" generation who are now adults and parents and social leaders?

Spiritwoman ^i^


lilium6 74F
4498 posts
6/5/2016 3:07 pm

radical: a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform; a member of a political party or part of a party pursuing such aims.
synonyms: revolutionary, progressive, reformer, revisionist

Interestingly, Jesus of Nazareth was also a radical.


Rocketship 79F
18518 posts
6/5/2016 3:18 pm

Good blog Spirit!

Unfortunately, the radicals with any point of view are the ones who get media attention.

**Also, generalizations about any group are rarely productive no matter whether that generalization is religious or political... sighhhhh.


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 10:21 pm

    Quoting  :

Interesting experience indeed. I have been unacceptable at times by conservatives and non conservatives.

As for religious proselyting I have not been exempt from that one either. Our local handyman never misses an opportunity to preach me a sermon in an attempt to save my soul even when I am swimming my laps in the pool. 2 different door to door persuasions have stood at the door and prayed for my deliverance. I have had holy water thrown on me and had the phone slammed down on me (old land line days) while being told I was going to Hell. More than one man has inappropriately pursued me in an insulting, demeaning manner becasue everyone knows Pagans are into wild s*e*x with everyone. I had a roommate hide in her in fear when I staged the room to cleans it from negative energy. Interesting that it was always they who initiated the discussion and felt completely free to attack me when my responses were not what they wanted to hear.

Wonder why I keep my head down and mouth shut a lot? Being out of mainstream is never easy but I figure if my ancestors were willing to suffer and die for their beliefs this is the least I can endue. It is the price I pay for educating people about the truths of my beliefs and practices.


Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 10:26 pm

    Quoting  :

Absolutely correct. With a bit of openhandedness and respect it becomes obvious that our similarities far outweigh the differences. When any of us truly lives our spiritual beliefs there is no room for hate and discrimination. Personally I find it enjoyable to share with others who are open to true sharing. We can learn so much from eachother

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 10:28 pm

    Quoting  :

I think you have the answer - people are becoming less and less group minded and since, as you said we are all somewhat interdependent this is a dangerous trend.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 10:30 pm

    Quoting lilium6:
    radical: a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform; a member of a political party or part of a party pursuing such aims.
    synonyms: revolutionary, progressive, reformer, revisionist

    Interestingly, Jesus of Nazareth was also a radical.
He was indeed. So much so that he was one of those who died for their differences yet if we look at his teachings he advocated love, forgiveness and kindness to all. Doesn't add up, does it.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 10:34 pm

    Quoting Rocketship:
    Good blog Spirit!

    Unfortunately, the radicals with any point of view are the ones who get media attention.

    **Also, generalizations about any group are rarely productive no matter whether that generalization is religious or political... sighhhhh.

One of the things I often wonder about is just how representative of the majority the people we hear the most from and about really are. I look at the numbers involved in some of the protests at political events today. They fall short both in terms of actions and numbers of those in the 60's. In the 60's it was thousands at marches and protests, many of which never made the news. These days it is a few hundred at most and it is a big big deal.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

6/5/2016 10:36 pm

    Quoting  :

At our age I think most of us do what we want. It is just that a few are more vocal about it and actually think they can change anyone's mind.

Spiritwoman ^i^


MrsJoe 76F
17280 posts
6/6/2016 8:12 am

    Quoting lilium6:
    radical: a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform; a member of a political party or part of a party pursuing such aims.
    synonyms: revolutionary, progressive, reformer, revisionist

    Interestingly, Jesus of Nazareth was also a radical.
I disagree to some extent. Jesus brought radical ideas to the world around Him, but he never INSISTED that people conform to them. It was not political or social reform that He sought. He did not belong to any political system or expect them to change things to suit Him. In fact, He said to give to the government what was owed to them.
He offered and it was up to the people to chose whether to believe Him or not.
Today, the radicals expect everyone to conform and for legislature to be passed to give preference to their ideas.


Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.


spiritwoman45

6/6/2016 10:12 am

    Quoting LeafRelief:
    I consider myself to be middle of the road as well. I'm pro-life, a devoted Christian, think gun ownership demonstrates mental instability, paranoia and irresponsibility, and I oppose any legalization of drugs. I have liberal economic views keenly aware of the utter discredited fraud of conservative theory. I am middle of the road when it comes to foreign affairs however. I do believe there is something called 'just' war, but I do not consider middle east interference just causes. I do not like the Israeli government's policy of land theft however. It's obvious that we still have a huge problem with racism in America, health care is a right not a privilege, and it takes a village and the social safety net is critical. I support public education, affirmative action and massive tax increases on the wealthy.

    Yep...middle of the road.
I agree with you on some points but many sound extreme to me, but that is what happens in the grey areas of life. fortunately so far most of us have been able to carve out lifestyles to suit our beliefs. Something to be very grateful for when you think about it.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

6/6/2016 11:57 am

    Quoting  :


Maybe becasue you identify as Christian and that is OK even if folks differ on which denomination?

Your experience is funny. I wonder if she could have still worked for you if she parked her car around the block?

When I lived with my ex BF in Manhattan Beach we had a Muslim neighbor. She was a single woman about our age and a convert. We had many interesting conversations with her, shared foods and traditions and were good friends. It was OK for her to come into the house as long as I was there but if I wasn't my BF had to go outside to talk to her as she could not be in the house with a man who was not a relative.

Makes you wonder how anyone can presume to know what goes on behind closed doors.


Spiritwoman ^i^