My friends there is plenty of political bickering in Washington. Do we have to make it a continual sore among friends? My father taught me well, I may disagree with your opinion but I will fight for your right to say it and so he did in World War II.

I don’t intend to publicly weigh in, with any political opinion other than encouraging people to put relationships before pointless bickering. My opinion is not so important that I would let it cause me discord with a friend. Let’s try to put each other first and honor and respect each other.

How can we expect Washington to be any different than we are? It starts with us. Civility, honor, respect and courtesy need to start with each individual. An old Christian spiritual’s words kind of sum up how I feel about this. “we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride.”

I know there are many important issues in the political forum that influence each one of us. But we will not solve them by bickering with each other. I still believe in a powerful personal allegiance to the underlying meaning and essence of our flag: “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

No, I will not debate this matter with any of you. I just encourage my friends to put concern for each other, at the top of our minds and in the bottom of our hearts. If this really becomes the case in each one of us, then America’s deepest problems will be solved.

Only, By each of us learning to respect and care for each other, America will find its roots and rise to its promise. Each of us should value and esteem each other as important, as themselves. Another lesson from a gospel song:
“Red, brown, yellow, Black and white; They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children Of the world.” Different people are still people. Learning to esteem and value others must be a colorblind process.

The greatest estate in humanity is servanthood. We can only rise to be our highest by serving each other. I know there are differences. But can’t we focus instead, on what we have in common?

I am Quaker, so I am peace-loving and harmony promoting. / Still, I know there are those that demand a fight, that will not leave us alone to have our peace. So, I am not a pacifist. And sometimes we are forced to defend what is good, lest it be taken away. (Therefore, my martial arts teaching). However, can this not be the exception and not the rule? If I must fight, then it will be swift, effective, prevailing, and without announcement. But I choose to dwell on, and in peace. 999 times out of a 1,000, I find a better way to solve the conflict than to fight, and if there is a possibility of healing, instead of battle; I choose it!

We all need a heart to want harmony, above discord. We can’t expect Washington to quit fighting until we do. I choose manners and civility, unless there is no other way. And in this public social media forum, you will not hear me pick sides and add to the wild fray of fury.

/ It is vain to think that I will persuade all others to my perspective. But It is helpful to think that I can persuade some others to remember; we are all American’s and as such, should have a common bond.

All the fussing and fighting wearies me. I know there are deep passions on both sides of the fence. I guess I spend most times trying to understand others, instead of ways to win them over to my point of view. If I use my little seed of communication to sow discord. How can I ever be the inspiration and light that God can help me be? You should ask yourself the same question.

Even in my martial arts instruction, I teach peace first and fighting only when it is honorable and necessary to protect loved one’s or one’s own existence. “Seek Perfection of Character. Be faithful. Endeavor. Respect others. Refrain from violent behavior.” It is my code. It is said of the great karate master Funakoshi that he let himself be robbed and gave his clothes away, to avoid a violent conflict; in which he could have easily devastated and destroyed his attackers.

Jesus prescribed a humility of soul in the Beatitudes,of Matthew 5; as a way of life that embarrasses me for my own selfishness. We should each one try to be the best, most chivalrous and benevolent soul that we can be.

The nation’s problems will not be solved, until the citizens accept personal responsibility for their own attitudes and conduct. I can’t do it for you, nor you for me. If each soul can accept their own personal responsibility to be and rise to their highest good, then there is hope that we as a society may grow through our current difficulties to a higher state of society and civilization.

I choose to post things that are of personal interest or to benefit and uplift others, in this social media context. I believe I am my brother’s keeper. (Although, I have a long way to go and a lot of work to do in this task.) So, I strive to be a ministering agent of good. I choose to look for ways to bless and benefit each of you, instead of argue and debate you.

You do not have to agree with someone, to want good for them. Let us be more concerned about the betterment and strengthening of each other than the reprimand or correction, of each other. I encourage each of you to let the Prince of Peace into your heart and help you add to the healing process and not just promotion of the problem. With love and respect, for each of you.

Tim- a.k.a. “Slam”

Slam- on the mend!