Just some notes I made when making this video:
After last night’s election, I imagine that there’s a lot of soul searching going on in this country. There certainly has been here. Last night and this morning I was really despondent but I’ve been doing a lot of reading and thinking and given the magnitude of what just happened, I didn’t want to just post another usual video without taking some time to comment about our Presidential election. I’m not going to rant and rave. I am trying to treat this whole thing as a learning experience and I think there might be some useful or helpful things I could say that might contribute to the kinds of conversations that we have here and more importantly, to critical thinking.
Perception of reality vs actual reality and how this is an object lesson for all of us
Problems with Democratic Party, my perception of it versus the reality and how it’s history of being the populist party was over quite some time ago but I didn’t realize that. The party lost touch with the people of this country and failed to keep up with their concerns, worries and upsets.
Mistakes in perception of what was really going on vs what I thought was going on in the US. Even Bernie should have clued us in that something was really amiss out there, that there is an underlying feeling of resentment with the Establishment, with how things are
If you don’t pay attention, you can end up in an echo chamber
No one has all the answers, we have to think for ourselves and we have to challenge our own beliefs and own ideas all the time
We’re challenged in doing this because our media is more concerned about advertising dollars and ratings than informing or deeply analyzing. Especially when it comes to politics, they are horribly out of touch
Social media is a tool but it’s a bit like watching a rushing stream going by and trying to figure out from bits and pieces floating in the water what the weather is going to be like tomorrow. You’re not looking directly at what’s happening, you’re looking at after-the-fact reactions
None of us have a monopoly on the truth. We have a lot to learn from each other. The popular vote shows that this country truly is split down the middle and that makes majority rule very difficult for everyone.
Founding Fathers put safeguards in our system to prevent tyranny of a majority over a minority, but also to prevent a minority from unduly influencing the majority. We have to be mindful of this and work within our system, not try to tear it down
How I feel about Trump personally and my fears about his personality being so similar to that of a destructive cult leader. That now more than ever, we have to take an active and overt interest in what is going on and be part of the solution because this man has proven he is not trustworthy
As Mahatma Gandhi said, be the change you wish to see in the world. It’s not all hopeless and the world does not end on January 1. Our participation in this system is not an option.
We cannot give in to fear or hate. Martin Luther King Jr. is also one of my heros and his advice is strong in troubled times.
“I never intend to adjust myself to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few.”
“History is the long and tragic story of the fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily.”
These quotes apply equally to all ends of the political spectrum and I’m not directing them at anyone in particular. But he also said
“Darkness can’t drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate can’t drive out hate; only love can do that.” and “Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.”
I hope what I’ve said is helpful in some way and helps us move forward in a constructive manner.
Thanks Chris for posting this at such a critical time. I’ve read a lot of inspiring things today from people who wish to keep hope alive in people who didn’t vote for Trump, and all of them are wonderful, but none of them have had the critical thinking slant that you have, and I appreciate that. We need to use our love, imagination and ideals to keep ourselves from despair at this time, but a very important place must be reserved for our thinking skills, which must be kept sharp now above all. Also, I liked your emphasis on understanding Trump voters, their legitimate concerns about “the establishment”, and how far both parties have traveled from really representing the interests of many Americans. Economically speaking at least, we all have more in common than we realize.
Thank you from my heart Chris.The quote you gave about darkness and hate being driven out by light and loves means so so much to me.I have been told I am too sweetie sweet but after the hell I have been through in my life,that is how I want to be.Certainly no longer the gullible wide eyed ingenue I was when I joined Sea Org in 74.I so appreciate what you do 💝
This is an excellent article Chris. Very logical, very compassionate and works towards Unity with responsibility. I love the MLK quotes. But especially this one. “Let no man pull you low enough to hate him” Yes! Thank you for this. Others will look to you for your opinion so it counts.
Chris, Awesome! Your comments were very helpful and on the money. Keep up the great work!
Albert A
If nothing else, my experiences in Scn and my eventual leaving of the church cured me of ever again devoting myself to anyone’s ideology. What would LRH do? What would Jesus do? What would JFK do? What would Reagan do? I no longer consult ideology to make decisions, form an opinion, or direct my thinking. Someone once said that ideology is what makes smart people fall for stupid ideas.
Chris…, I admire the courage and strength you manifest in this message. Thank you. It’s a sane path to move forward on.