Do you ever feel like running away from it all? I know I do at times. These days all I have to do is turn on the news and a sudden, uncontrollable urge to pack a bag and just disappear washes over me. I would leave my cell phone, computer and all other forms of communication and technology behind.
I would go somewhere where I would not be exposed to the hatred-filled arguments between just about EVERYONE in this country about our current president and whether or not he is a Socialist… or a Communist… or the Anti-Christ.
I wouldn’t have to listen to a polarized nation debate the efficacy of the jobs plan, the necessity and scope of health care reform, education reform, the dwindling budget and rapidly-emptying coffers, anticipated green laws, foreign policy, the continued instability and unrest in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan.
I would quietly slip away to a place where there were no such things as Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives, Ultra-Conservatives, Liberals and Ultra-Liberals, Independents, political pundits, corrupt politicians and loud-mouthed, single-minded individuals pushing their own agendas all under the guise of “productive discussion.” Since when were hatred and fear the key elements in productive discussion anyway?
You see … I am so deeply disappointed in our behavior as citizens of this country. If you are still reading this, do not think me unpatriotic. I am PROUD to be an American. I still get goosebumps every single time I stand and tilt my chin toward the stars and stripes being lifted by the wind while our National Anthem is sung or played. I try to say a sincere “thank-you” to our men and women in uniform whenever I get the chance.
But I can’t help thinking about where we were, who we were and how we treated one another just 10 years ago this week. September 11 is drawing near… again. For the tenth time our nation will stop and gather to remember the tragedy that occurred on that fateful day. Most of us will probably pause to remember where we were, what we were doing, how we heard, what we witnessed and hopefully—more importantly—how we felt.
A horrific thing happened on that Tuesday morning… an unspeakable act that has forever charred the fabric of the American tapestry. But on that day, and in the months and probably even the year that followed, we were united as a country. We had a common enemy: Terrorism and those who perpetuated it. We had a common goal: To restore peace and a sense of safety in our homes and in our communities.
What happened? Have we so quickly forgotten what we were so brutally reminded of on that day? That we are ALL equal? That we are ALL human? That we ALL love… and hurt… and bleed? That we will not live on this earth forever? That we are all in this together whether we like it or not?
Please, PLEASE I ask you to consider these things this week and if only for a little while… I encourage you to look at your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers, fellow classmates and strangers you pass on the street… and remember that we are far more alike than we are different.
Woman In Thrisis 
I recently did an eight-day silent retreat, surrounded by 65 strangers. It was an interesting exercise, when we did finally speak, in seeing who matched our initial perceptions and who did not.
The U.S. has become unimaginably toxic. The income inequality is unmatched for decades. Travel beyond this country’s borders as often and as far away as you can. Take a break from it all.
WOW! That would be interesting. I would really like to try that. My friends and family are probably laughing while reading this because the idea of me being quiet would seem absurd. I would love to know more about that. Where did you go? What prompted you to do that if you don’t mind me asking? Yes, toxic is a great word for our nation’s climate now. As often as I can, I’ll try to take a break!
Last paragraph is what will change the world someday. Well said.
Thank you 🙂 If only we could all really act out those words, right?
A truly thought provoking post. I agree to a certain degree with you in that we are more alike than we really think. I have thought about getting away too – a nice compound on some tropical island sounds pretty good to me some days.
Take me with you to the tropical compound… OK? Don’t forget!
So very true. You are not alone in your feelings.
Thank you Linda. It’s good to hear from others who are in agreement!
It seems that greed and selfishness have undermined what this country was about…that and a total loss of common sense. Yes we are the land of the free but not free to remove our fundamental faith in the basic tenents of Christinity. We may not like a Mosque close to the site of the World Trade Center but we better defend their right to have one. But at the same time, we cannot let lawmakers and loudmouths force the removal of OUR rights as Christians. Having been born in 1948 I can see in my lifetime the decline of people taking their faith seriously. More families DON’T go to church than do. More children don’t have a clue about basic Bible stories. Generations are growing up with no moral compass. THAT is the scary part. We are more alike than we are different. We all need guidelines for our lives and it needs to be centered on the love for others before the love
for ourselves and our selfish desires. Thanks Joanna, for your insights and the chance to give mine.
Good points, Mom. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights! 🙂
Beautifully said Joanna!!!
Thanks Annie 😉