This morning our country entered into a new phase. Promises of ONLY America First might feel good to those who are left out of economic gain or for those who struggle with changing demographics, but the promise comes with great risk. Lifting those who have been left behind by giving them hope is a laudable goal (and should be a perennial goal). However, circling the proverbial wagons to exclude others and building walls, not just at the border but in our hearts, to separate and divide, benefits only those with power. Verbal permissions and attitudes that exclude many lead to exclusionary practices and real harm. We have already seen glimpses of individuals and groups who will be most vulnerable under an ethno/culture/religious/gender/class…-centric leadership. Muslims, women, gays, immigrants,…
When we choose a mantra that include “only”, it is divisive. America is not an “only” nation. We don’t live in isolation, nor do we all look, think, worship, or love alike. “ONLY” is an ego-centric view of the world or country or self. While a healthy ego is necessary, forgetting to balance ego with the realities that we live in an interdependent and interconnected world, is narcissistic and self-serving.
Pendulums swing back and forth just as do governments, policies, and moods. Perhaps as a reaction to liberalism (that lifted many) and increasing rate of change in the world, fear masked as bravado has given rise to a triumphalism that appears to lack a moral center that is capable of a broader compassion or empathy. The edict found in almost every religion and secular society from Confucius forward, to love our neighbors, is now subject to exemptions.
In Unitarian Universalist language, the first principle of respecting the inherent worth and dignity of the individual, lives in balance with the seventh principle, the respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. The individual must live in relationship to the whole. An attitude of “ONLY” does not invite balance.
Each of us will have to find ways to make sure the balance is maintained. We should not diminish ourselves in the process, but we should find ways to reach out to others. For some, this may feel like an over-reach or over-compensation, but with the bluster – and appointments – of the newly installed government, we must rise to the challenge.
It will take all of us. Together. No one can do the work alone.
Build relationships, not walls. Build peace, not fear. Build a better America, not an “ONLY” America.
After all, America is us. And we – ALL of us – are America.
Blessings for the journey,
Rev. Marian
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