I received a large number of replies in a short period of time, and several excellent points were made and interesting conversations were started. I realized that Facebook posts are usually designed to be short, and that it is very difficult in such a medium to respond fully to every comment, or to adequately express one's own thoughts on complicated topics.
It is for that reason that I have decided to return to the blogosphere, although each post here will also be copied to my Facebook page.
Since many of these posts will be done as a series, I have decided to begin by simply reposting my original Facebook statements here. That statement is below:
This needs to be said.
This is not how we heal our country.
As many of you know, I am a political junkie. As many also know, I am conservative in many ways. As a business owner and as someone who counts as some of his dearest friends people of vastly different beliefs and opinions, I tend to be cautious about the public expression of my beliefs and politics. However, the state of our country is critical. So much needs to be said, and I have decided that in the days and weeks to come I am going to say it.
I will say it in a calm and measured way, without insulting language. I will try my best to not give offense, unless it is clearly due.
But this, this needs to be said.
Our country needs to heal. Desperately. Insofar as is possible, we need to try to come together over our differences and work towards a better future.
But this, this is not how we heal.
Do you remember in the aftermath of President Obama's election, how conservative universities that were funded by taxpayer money gave therapy sessions to depressed students, and cancelled classes?
Neither do I.
Do you remember how, after the President's election, conservatives protested, burned flags, and attacked people?
Neither do I.
Do you remember the great State movements to secede from the United States (#calexit)?
Neither do I.
For eight years, conservatives have been labelled as "obstructionists", and ridiculed for their opposition to President Obama's policies, and hated for their inability to work with him.
But when the power is reversed, the truth we always knew comes out. It was always "my way or the highway". There was never interest in working together.
My friends, my brothers and sisters, this is not how we come together.
This is not how we heal.
This is not how we work together.
This is not how we show our long-vaunted love and inclusiveness.
This is not how America works.
Let's get up. Let's try again.
Let's do better. Because we are better than this.
