I love politics. I truly do. I love reading about politics, talking about politics and debating political issues. I find it hard sometimes to bite my tongue when someone makes an inflammatory comment on an internet forum and I want to reply, but because the rules of the forum bar political discussion I'm not allowed. Yes, the other person got their dig in and if I wait a bit, the post will likely be deleted by a moderator, but it makes me crazy, nonetheless, to sit there and not throw in my two cents. 

That said, something changed last night. I was reading a debate on a private forum and for the first time since I can remember, I kind of wanted it all to stop. Not stop as in taking away everyone's right to speak their mind, just stop, as in stop the madness.

How often does all the discussion (fighting, insulting, mud slinging) really get us anywhere? How often do we really change the other person's mind? All that seems to be accomplished is more fuel added to an already flaming political debate.

Do I really want the debates to end? No. Would I like to see more civility? Yes. Is that going to happen? No. We'll keep talking and fighting in circles, get some to agree with us and alienate others. It's a never-ending cycle.

So, as I was pondering the comment on the forum I mentioned above, a poem started to form in my mind. Ha! Nothing as eloquent as the great classics (I wish) but a poem to be sure. I've always liked rather simple rhymes so I opened wordpad and typed it out..

And here it is:

Obama

Some think that he will save the world
Some think he leans far left
Some say the cost is far too high
A record deficit.

Some think that he will heal the globe
And bring us all together
Some think he wants to own the banks
And keep them on a tether.

He won the vote, indeed, he did
And hearts along the way
And in the end we'll know the score
And all can have their say.

For now, lets tamp the bitter words
The hate, the fear, the blather
And do our part in our own homes
Cause that's what really matters.

Obama may improve relations
In countries far and wide
But here at home we all can help
Rebuild our country's pride.

So go to work and raise your kids
With morals, love and peace
And leave Obama to his job
It's hard to say the least.

So, that's it. I'm not saying to stop the debate, it's necessary for many of us to continue to speak our mind. What I'm saying is, be sure to have some balance in your life if you don't already. Don't let the politics consume you to the point where you spend every free minute online fighting with people who will never agree with you and whom you've never met.

Take a little of that time you spend arguing and focus it on something you can change or improve. Something that involves your children or children in your neighborhood. Our educational system in this country is a whole separate topic, but we all know it needs improvement and can't take the place of really mentoring the next generation the way individuals can in smaller settings.

For every angry word we spout, lets make sure we offer 3 times that many words of kindness and encouragement to others along the way. Let's make sure we're good citizens in our own community and set good examples.

And, last but not least, let's be kind to the author of this article even though she wrote a rather cheesy poem. Cheese is good, right? Especially on crackers, which I've been accused of being.

Peace!