“Sir, you attract more skinheads than free Rogaine. You have more people marching against you than cancer. You talk like a sign-language gorilla that got hit in the head. In fact, the only thing your mouth is good for is being Vladimir Putin’s c–k holster.”
Steven Colbert
addressing Donald Trump
“This whole thing about not kicking someone when they are down is b.s. Not only do you kick him—you kick him until he passes out—then beat him over the head with a baseball bat—then roll him up in an old rug—and throw him off a cliff into the pounding surf below!!!!!”
Michael Scanlon, aide to Rep. Tom DeLay
referring to Bill Clinton
I heard a recent study on NPR. It said that the way to make money in today’s media is to get more people to “follow” you……… to get more “clicks”. More clicks leads to more advertising income and this grows your paycheck. It went on to say that, by far, the most effective way to get more “clicks” is to choose a person or group of people, identify them as “others” and then attack them relentlessly.
You don’t have to spend too much time watching the media……..the people whom we once called journalists……and our politicians……. the people we once called our leaders……..to realize that this has become the “business plan” of the big names in our culture…..the talking heads who dominate our media……. and our politics. They earn their living by creating discord among us. The more divisive they are……..the more divided we become……….and the bigger their paycheck and/or their campaign fund becomes.
Is it any wonder that we are at each other’s throats?
The discord in our society is not an accident. It is intentional. And it is driven by money…….and the desire for power. I recently heard this described as
“the hate/industrial complex”.
It turns out that hate……….is a thriving business. It has become a multibillion dollar industry. And if you watch many of the shows on Fox and CNN, you are feeding it. If you despise Trump……or Pelosi……then you are a supporter of the “hate/industrial complex”……….and, unfortunately, you are also its victim.
But
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Christianity tells us of another path. The very heart of this path is not hatred…….but love.
So……..the next time some representative of the “hate/ industrial complex” launches into an attack on some “other” person or institution……….just remember that your creator asks……no……demands that you love them……..both of them.
We must learn to practice disagreement without adding contempt. We must argue against the idea without attacking the person.
You must decide whom you want to follow:
Colbert, Scanlon, or God.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Jesus, NIV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Jesus, NIV
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
John, NIV
“Practice warm-heartedness”
The Dalai Lama, when asked how to deal with contempt.
I am reading a book:
“Love Your Enemies: How decent people can save America from the culture of contempt”
by Arthur BrooksI recommend it.