One of the things I do remember about President Obama’s acceptance speech was the part on finding common ground, that as long as we are so polarized on opposite ends of the argument, we’re never going to get anything done. Unfortunately, as with most politics, it’s easier said then done.

“We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don’t tell me we can’t uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don’t know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America’s promise – the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.” – Obama

One thing I do believe is that as the world becomes more of a global economy, some of these things will work themselves out. Money has a lot to do with it. And the societies that don’t need or want money, like the tribes living in the jungles, aren’t the ones out fighting everyone anyway.

I couldn’t agree with you more in that, “Life is beautiful no matter how you see it. It best to accept the world for what is it and just rise above it.” Right on! Rise above, Rise above. (although I have to remind myself not to do that with a hint of self-righteousness… but that’s another topic

Mother culture is constantly in our ear telling us that civilization is the pinnacle – there is nothing better. All we have to do is keep refining it, keep working at it, keep trying to make all the people in it better and then it will be paradise.

But I reckon civilization sucks and that we can do better. A place where we don’t have to make people into little Buddhas for it to function. A place where people can suck but the world will still be okay. It used to exist. It can again.

As Lisis said, we come into this world perfect. It is the adults and society which screw up people.

I personally was raised in a very open-minded and tolerant household. All religions and races were respected. My parents were hippies to some extent. I began to travel the world as a young kid and learned so much. Even now my parties look like an event at the United Nations.

We are more alike than we are different. We all can get along and we all want the same things. The Nobel Peace Prize Committee stated that one reason that they chose President Obama was because of his beliefs that we can work together to reach an understanding despite the differences.

And I also agree about the news. We stopped watching it years ago because all it does is promote fear and anger. I used to have a segment on my blog called Happy News that only listed positive news stories. No one really liked it and eventually, I decided to just write posts that reflect what I have learned or see or struggle with in my life.

News companies give society what they want. If more of us demanded positive stories, they would give us that. So I think we all have to be more vocal in saying that we want more peace and less violence.

As Gandhi said, “be the change that you want to see in the world”. Good for you for doing that already.