By RUTH PIERRE-CHARLESDELAND, Fla. -- Let's face it: Politics can be confusing, messy and downright emotionally charged.
There are reasons why political conversations are rarely spoken with complete strangers. As horrible as the world may make politics seem, engaging in politics is a discourse that the world needs. Without the intellectual conversations about the Middle East, healthcare, or social security, these issues might not get the attention they deserve.
However, be weary of the things politicians, people, and the world feed you.
The same way that lawyers evaluate cases on an individual basis, that is how you should approach political issues. For instance, not everything President Trump does is horrible nor not everything he does is good. It really all depends on the executive order he has signed on an issue, the reasons behind his action in that instanc, and the judgment you get out of that one decision.
Consider the following options if you are stuck on one side or the other or not sure, which way to lean:
• If you are making political decisions based off others---pause, and make them for yourself, based on the best factual information available.
• Consider the pros and cons of opposite views and keep an open mind.
Make a pro’s and con’s list for every decision or non-decision made by government on an issue.
If you did not come to a political conclusion on your own, then challenge yourself to do so -- be pro-active and take the initiative.
If media outlets are your “go to” source for news and you find outlets leabiong to the left or to the right for the sake of ideology, then fitch them and do your own independent research.
Politics is complicated, but crucial to understanding where you stand on issues. It is okay for you to be nervous, anxious, and precautionary about political discourse: Trust me -- I believe most Americans feel the same way. To truly understand where you are in the world, you should be able to stand alone—make judgments on an issue “case by case” and be ready to fight like hell to defend your position.
You should not let partisanship hinder your ability to evaluate situations on a “case by case” basis -- period, end of story.
Winston Churchill and Dr. Martin Luthrer King, Jr. were willing to take a stand on issues of importance. How about you?
Politics is complicated, but crucial to understanding where you stand on issues. It is okay for you to be nervous, anxious, and precautionary about political discourse: Trust me -- I believe most Americans feel the same way. To truly understand where you are in the world, you should be able to stand alone—make judgments on an issue “case by case” and be ready to fight like hell to defend your position.
You should not let partisanship hinder your ability to evaluate situations on a “case by case” basis -- period, end of story.
