I think that weblogs teach me that people are far more emotional than I ever imagined. I knew that they were more emotional than my own tepid, rather pedestrian bundle of emotions. But the more I read, the more I see just how complex and intriguing most folks really prove to be.
I've said my two or four or ha'penny about this current election cycle, but I almost regret saying anything at all. It's not that my views are not heart-felt. It's not that there's anything wrong with writing in a weblog one's politics, or living as if one's politics matter.
It's just that in the long run, I'd like to figure out how to expand my thinking to find ways for people to come together, and not be so divisive. I am not much for politicians' speeches, of either party, about "bridging" and "healing". I am in favor of actual bridging and healing.
I don't find anything wrong with strong emotions, expressed in cyberspace. I find something reaffirming in the self-publishing process. Without really changing my politics, though, I want to find an inner place I work to put forward the idea that we all should work for a place where people just get along better.
I think that lack of compassion is the real issue facing us all today. I do not think that's a left wing or right wing thing. I think it's an agenda without politics and without borders. I will still vote and take political positions, donate a nickel here, and write about politics once in a while here. But the real party I want to join is the party of compassion, which has no organized precincts, and will be running no candidates next November.