“Hold on Little One. I think it is here somewhere.”
“What is it?”
“Friday.”
Well, it is Friday and a nice milestone in the week’s travails. As I write this, I still don’t know who has won the election at the presidential level. Before I make any comment,let me be clear. Whoever wins should receive the support of our entire country.
I have been appalled by some of the vicious personal attacks written by fellow bloggers. There is one blogger out there who calls those who vote for other than her candidate A-holes. Unfortunately, the followers of that blog provided supporting words for that outrageous statement. Why is it outrageous? Anytime Americans are denigrated for voting for their choice, one more piece of freedom is threatened. Instead of A-hole, what if this person called those choosing the other candidate ‘traitors?’
We need to think about how we handle disagreement in this country. Do we continue to shout it down or listen and respond? Anyone out there who has written a slanderous statement about either candidate or their supporters should be ashamed of themselves. It is now time to knock it off and get back to being a decent society again.
Today’s John Ku talks about the freedom to choose. I hope you all have a great weekend.
My choice by John W. Howell © 2020
My right to choose those,
To represent my interests . . .
Is part of freedom.
Fiction Favorites 
It’s a pity some folks have forgotten that men and women have given up their lives to ensure everyone in the USA (UK and other Free Nations) have the opportunity and right to choose and vote for their preferred leaders.
LikeLiked by 6 people
I think you will find the most egregious of the hatefilled groups are those who benefit from that sacrifice without being called upon (or volunteering) to make themselves. Thanks for the comment, Chris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Think I’ve seen the traitor accusation get thrown around. From my own perspective, it seems the tribalism has gotten steadily worse since the 80’s. Social media stepped in to amplify it though.
LikeLiked by 5 people
I totally agree with you. Sad state of affairs for sure. Thanks, Charles.
LikeLike
You are so right John. While one might not like the options available to choose from, it remains a part of democracy to be able to choose in the first place. There has to be respect between people to agree to disagree without resorting to vitriol.
Excellent JohnKu and happy Friday to you.
LikeLiked by 7 people
Happy Friday to you as well Dale. Thanks for your excellent comment. On another subject we are having another gam day today. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the excellent post. And lookit you! Mind you, so are we… Well, if you’re a Montrealer, it’s still shorts weather. You would probably find it too cold 😁😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having lived in the South since 2001 I thnk my blood is thin so yes shorts for me is 70 degrees or more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of that, I’ve no doubt 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, John. We need to embrace our differences, not squash them. The Haiku is right on point.
Have a good weekend, and hopefully this nonsense will be over with soon. 🙂
LikeLiked by 5 people
Have a super weekend as well, Harmony. I too hope the nonsense will come to an end. Also, I hope you are doing well too. (So many things to hope for today 😁)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree with you more, John. It’s sad to see this kind of behavior seep into Word Press. Have a great and peaceful weekend!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thak you , Jill. What a great thing – safe and peaceful. I hope the same for you and 3200 words. 😊
LikeLike
Couldn’t agree more, John. The behavior I have seen exhibited by so many is deeply disturbing. The rancor is unconscionable and stymies any efforts to collaborate or compromise. And as a result, we all suffer.
LikeLiked by 4 people
So well said, Lori. I am dunfounded why folks take the nasty route when logic is so much more effective in a discussion. We do all suffer and for no real reason Thanks for your comment. Have a super weekend. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely agree. In recent months, the levels of personal nastiness have become extraordinarily disturbing, and the so-called ‘cancel culture’ has developed into something like a cross between the Salem witch trials and the worst of Soviet show trials. All of us have a right to our preferences and our political views; to deny that is to degrate others, and the country itself.
LikeLiked by 4 people
*denigrate*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Got it. 😂
LikeLike
I am very concerned about this rise in vitriol, Linda. There are several house representatives who engage in this menthod of discourse and are setting a bad example for their followers and others. I have never seen such bad manners as I have witnessed on several blogs. I also wonder about those overseas comments that are hate-filled as well. America is not their country and it would be nice if they would butt out. There are too many American graves offshore which should speak louder than the detractors. Thanks for your comments. I hope you have a super weekend. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
I totally agree with the sentiment, John, but as an outsider (i’m in the UK), I’ve followed this presidency from day one, and it seems to me like the division being fostered in your country is coming from the top. It has very much sounded like ‘us and them’ from the word go.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Completely agree there, Steve. Our ‘leadership’ is hardly setting a good example…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That may be, Steve. I agree the dialog has been less than optimal from the White House. I also think the House of Representitives must share blame in fostering division. In either case, it does not give anyone the right to denigrate citizens who still chose to follow a person or persons who may or may not have the best demeanor, intentions or whose objectives are not in line with one’s own. I agree that criticizing the source is fair game and should be done with facts not demeaning rhetoric. Hate speech is hate speech and should be condemned and not met with more hate. It becomes a vicious cycle where people polarize and stop looking at the merits of the individual. Both candidates have significant flaws but those are not discussed in the haze of accusations. Thank you for the comment. It is comments such as yours that form a foundation for discussion. 😊
LikeLike
John, you are 100% correct. I thought that after I posted my comment. It’s the old ‘when they go low, I should go high’ approach. I’ll be continuing to watch how this all plays out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea, Steve. It should be interesting if not drama filled. Thanks. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John. These last weeks, indeed months, have been painful. I have ached and cried, not for one candidate or another, but for humanity stripped of its heart. I fear it will be a while before thoughtfulness, understanding, generosity — hope is restored. 💙
LikeLiked by 4 people
You are one that has the ability to bring the positive out of anyone, Gwen. Keep at it. I think you are doing God’s work everyday with every one of your comments on other’s posts. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
How kind of you to say, John. Thank you. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊 All true
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well stated, John. This environment needs to change as today’s tribalism is worse than ever. Then again, much is stoked by those in elected positions and by the talking heads. Sadly, I still sense the direction of a civil war.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the reminder, John. We need it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Liz. 😊
LikeLike
All that’s happening has been sad. And it seems the country is equally divided. Can’t help but think what Khrushchev (I beleive it was him) said many years ago. “We’ll take the US without firing one shot.”
Very applicable Haiku for what’s been happening.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The full quoteby Khrushchev is, “We will take America without firing a shot. We do not have to invade the United States. We will bury you from within” I think it is happening right before our eyes, Joan. Thanks for the reminder on the quote and let’s hope people can stop yelling at each other in time to prevent a disaster.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well said, John. You deserve a couple rounds of margaritas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll take them, Teri 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well said, John, those sorts of comments undermine the entire spirit of democracy. We’ve had a lot of issues with our government representatives here in South Africa, but I never make disparaging comments about other peoples rights to chose or the positions in government. We have to respect the positions and the system even when we disagree with certain things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is the only way folks can discuss the issues and hopefully resolve them to everyone’s benefit. Thank you for the comment, Robbie. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you, John. That’s truly what Democracy is all about. Have a great weekend. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Suzanne. Have a great weekend as well. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
TGIF John. The virus yet to be subdued is going to deal with a new situation. Science not twitter will prevail in the task of beating the virus. Three fingers and block out the noise. Stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just what the doctor ordered, John. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well-said, John. I have no idea who that blogger is, and apparently not one I follow. But one I would unfollow. You are so right and these words of wisdom need to be heeded. Happy Friday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. Happy Friday to you as well. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Timely and excellent, John. I can’t add anything of value to this, but I will try to spread it to others.
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dan. If each of us vowed to follow the idea of, “If you have nothing nice to say keep quiet.” life certainly. would be more pleasant. Maybe then the voices of reason could be heard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully said, John! Since when did it become okay to be disagreeable when disagreeing? Isn’t debate an opportunity for two sides to express their opinions without fear of retribution? Opinions are views — and we’re all entitled to ours — but it’s never okay to call others names when they don’t share your beliefs. I thought that’s what campaigns were for — to give us voters a chance to see and hear the candidates, evaluate their platforms, and so forth. Sadly, we seem split right down the middle, with neither side willing to give an inch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Debbie. I think people have forgotten how to discuss anything. Just look at trending on Twitter and you will see some of the most vile expressions. Sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, John. I’m watching the news less because it’s truly overwhelming. We all have our own opinions and freedom of choice that should be respected. Our country has changed and it’s very sad, especially when I think of my children’s future, not to mention, younger generations. I’m even off of FB, too, because it is just too much. I think in some ways social media is part of the problem. But it goes deeper than that as well. Sigh. Try a little kindness and agree to disagree if that’s the case. Great Ku and Happy weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lauren. Respect seems to be lacking in today’s discourse. Happy weekend to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Valid points, John. Everyone is free to make their own choice. America seems to be a very divided place at the moment. Your vote counting system seems incredibly complicated, but there’s no doubt good reason why it was designed like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of the founding principles is ‘States rights’ which is where the voting procedures are developed. The concept of electoral college is a Constitutional provision that was put in place to thwart attempts at contests of popularity, fraud or intimidation.
LikeLike
The Beatles had it right, ‘Come Together’ Love instead of hate ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they did. No one’s listening to them now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wild Friday Freedom at the Twiggy Resort. 😉I always wonder the online folks who try to persuade you in something that troubles them… Happy Friday of Freedom! Hey-hey-hey! Each squirrel must have its nuts! Each deer must have his Santa & Christmas! 🎉❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
On line folks should find something better to do. Thank you Maria. Hopefully someone will bake some cookies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, look at everybody being nice at your place. If everyone would just do that beyond your borders it would be wonderful. It’s hard for Americans not to devolve into all the negativity when the elected officials act this way. Hopefully, a healer will show up soon and start bringing us back together.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have a dirth of leadership in this country. The house, Senate, and Executive branch ought to be ashamed of themselves. I doubt things will improve.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A good reminder, John. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
AMEN to this and Hallelujah while I’m at it.
What happened to civility? Was it always a fantasy or was there a time when we could disagree on a candidate or a party and still co-exist? And I say it rhetorically because yes, I do remember a time, personally. I had friends who were the opposite of me, politically. I married a girl who was as well. And somehow, we didn’t hate each other. To the contrary, we had epic conversations and debates and in the, we agreed to disagree. No fisticuffs. No name calling. None of this shit that is pervading every corner of the map and the great big middle.
Good for you in posting this. I hope my candidate wins, but either way . . we have to move on and be better than this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we do, Pilgrim. Thaks for the comment. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a new day, Boss. It just came over the wire that Biden wins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Does he know it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sharp as ever, Boss. Sharp as ever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, John! But I fear we may still be divided not matter who wins. Bring back civility and respect for each other! A leader that wants to do that would be a start.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Jo. We will have to see what happens.
LikeLike
“I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” – Voltaire. Even a Frenchman got it right for once!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true, Geoff. Thank you for the comment. 😁
LikeLike
Thank you for your words of wisdom. I am appalled at the bloggers who write with such anger. Our country was founded on the principals of democracy, not hate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a sad thing. I hope people get over it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for saying this, John. I agree 100%.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Barbara.
LikeLiked by 1 person