One of the classic scenes from the original Planet of the Apes Movie is where Charlton Heston is on the ocean edge and sees what appears to be the Statute of Liberty’s torch sticking out of the ground. What had caused this apocalyptic scene? Did it have anything to do with a national election gone bad? Did fact checking; campaign hype or ongoing media attacks bring about the end, as we know it?
What would cause anyone to blow up a political campaign headquarters? How is it possible that a newspaper’s choice to go against history and endorse a candidate that is outside of their paper’s party line now receive death threats? Why have close friends now become online enemies? Initially I chuckled at how many of my friends on Facebook where taking a hiatus from online life because of politics. Yet, the vitriol has truly become hatred that is like an epidemic type of disease that is ravaging our land.
The question that stands out is WHY? Has America truly become that much of a waste land? Has the political machine truly taken over and forgotten the average or not so average person? Isn’t it still possible for the voice of the forgotten to still be heard? Haven’t we witnessed first hand various revolutions before our eyes between BLM, immigration movement and the refuge movement in our own country? Doesn’t it amaze you when you see a gofundme page for people in real need get funded beyond expectation? How is it possible to live in a country where one person paints a picture of gloom and doom, another pretends as if racism, sexism and classism don’t exist and yes most have figured out how to love their lives and manage to rise each day.
Many have predicted the end of the age over the centuries. I know that November 9 is going to come before we know it. I’m not sure whether I’m prepared for E-Day but it’s before us regardless of race, political persuasion, educational background or socio-economics. I don’t picture there being a mass exodus into Canada or Mexico regardless of the recent rhetoric. The big picture is that our country is so much more than one person, whether that’s the president or manager of your local coffee shop.
The hope of the world clearly isn’t our political system but our ability to look beyond our differences and choose to intentionally work together. My dream is that it would be possible for Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Secularists, Millennials and aging baby boomers to work together, play together and even at times worship together. As the sun blinds me as I’m sitting at my Starbucks I’m excited to be alive, walk my dogs, love my wife, kids, grandson and those I will encounter today!
The end isn’t before us unless you choose to give up on life and the hope of the ages!
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