OBAMA OR McCAIN

It's going to get fierce. Obama or McCain, the Democrats or the Republicans. The fight to the finish is on. I've never been much for clubs, or organizations or political parties. Sure we all have to join at one time or another...Our democracy is set up that way--forcing us to choose...the lesser of the so called evils...But if you really sit back and ponder it...our system--arguably the best in the world--often conquers and divides its own people--when the whole purpose is to unify and work together.

Sometimes the best man-or woman doesn't win. Sometimes we get so caught up in our pattern of analyzing and criticizing and judging that we lose sight of the big picture...our similarities-and our desire for peaceful, productive lives. The walls of separation often alienate us from ourselves and each other...polarizing people and even nations.


Look how things played out for Hillary. This bright, articulate woman who has proven both personally and professionally, that she is strong enough to carry any number of crosses without collapsing ---bit the dust after a divisive internal power struggle within her own party. A struggle that grew increasingly aggressive when her enemies chimed in. The war of words between Hillary and Obama have left deep wounds ... causing untold pain. However we may personally feel about these two people...they are casualties- of criticism...and they've left casualties- by criticizing.


The clubs or groups we join with a common purpose in mind often blow up in our faces, because we haven't learned the basic lesson of true tolerance and respect. We don't have to agree with others and they don't have to agree with us--we also don't have to criticize others to elevate ourselves...Unfortunately, it happens all the time- in marriages, in families and in society.

I've had my share of critical acclaim and counter criticism...and I can tell you from experience...
it never leads to good, or glory or self awareness. Criticizing puts others on the defense, massages our own egos- which perpetuates separation, causing untold personal and world upheaval. I don't know about you--but every single day of my life-I have to concentrate really hard on avoiding self righteous criticism and conflict...I mean REALLY hard...because now I know better...When we tell others that we are right and they are wrong...we cause division and strife and so we rarely affect change...Our best bet is to concentrate on making the necessary changes in our own lives.

Transcending judgment is a natural rhythm that for most of us seems extremely unnatural...
However, I'm learning that with time and repetition, keeping my mouth shut, and exchanging compassion for criticism, that I'm thinking less about what others should be doing--and more about what I should be doing.

In the Presidential race, as in the race of life, the real winners are the ones who put peace first...drawing strength through harmony with nature and with those around them... knowing that true leadership is the peaceful co existence that comes from seeing the potential for good in others and in ourselves...while eliminating all negative thoughts or expressions. It seems like a formidable task--but if you believe in yourself...as strongly as you disbelieve in others--you will be surprised at what you can accomplish! And remember...though it may be impossible for man...nothing is impossible with God! Let me know what happens.