(I wrote this piece two years ago after the election. I’ve slightly modified it to bring it up to date, but the message remains very much the same today.)
My first vote in an election was cast in the McGovern vs. Nixon race in 1972. Focused on my own young life, I didn’t take time to read much about the political stance of either candidate. Instead, I used my intuition and perceptions of each candidates character as I watched them in the public arena o determine who I believed had the strength of character to further our country’s values.
I voted for McGovern. Even at that young age I perceived Nixon’s underlying character flaws as I watched. History revealed the true results of that election in this regard. Did my vote count? It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that it did not, and perhaps it didn’t. Not everyone sees what we see, but we must never stop fighting for what we believe. Creating a lifestyle in alignment with higher values will gradually reveal our shadow to us.
CORE VALUES OF A PRESIDENT
The election of our current President was by far the most unusual political event in our life time. For the first time, a candidate ran for office who did not have the typical qualifications we’ve come to expect in a President. This President shares few of the core values and principles upon which our country was founded. I find this astounding. The danger of his Presidency and the chaos that is being created can be directly related to this fundamental fact.
Strength of character is difficult to measure or perceive, but has a profound influence on how an individual lives and how they lead. Think Lincoln, Nixon, Kennedy, Obama and how their character shaped our country. The US President, in many respects should symbolize who we are as a nation, or who we strive to be. He/she is the face we show the world. As our world continues to shrink, how we show up in the world becomes even more important. We dare not stray far from our origins if we are to continue to be a world leader.
FACING OUR SHADOW AS A NATION
The election of Donald Trump as President has forced us to face our shadow, both as individuals and as a nation. Every time we read the news we must look into the eyes of egoism, hatred, division, anger, despair, frustration, meanness, prejudice, abuse, and self-aggrandizement, and choose. We must be careful not to blame others assuming that we are in control of our shadow and are blameless. We all carry a shadow self that influences our choices beyond our conscious awareness.
What lies in our unconscious has the power to drive how we think, act and feel, without our knowledge or awareness. More often than not it drives us to satisfy our ego, not our soul. As individuals and as a collective, we ignored our shadow for a very long time. The Universe seems to have decided it’s time to take a hard look at it and understand in a deeper fashion what motivates us. Each and every one of us must choose the “light” if we are to survive as a world leading nation.
YES, WE DO HAVE A CHOICE
We have the choice, and it is our choice. Will we choose fear over open heartednes, and hate over acceptance and tolerance? Or, self-respect and self-esteem over ego gratification, and generosity and compassion over the need to be in control?
This situation is by its very nature challenging us to stand up for our principles and to stand upon the foundation of the fundamental values we hold so dear. The past two elections are not about policy, they are about voting for decency, respect, equality, kindness, acceptance, tolerance and the fundamental, underlying core values upon which this great country has stood for centuries. Are we willing to let our ideals slip through our fingers and into the hands of fear?
We must continue day by day to live, act and vote from our heart, not our fear. Progress has been made in this last election, but the work must continue. We must continue to wrestle with our shadow individually and collectively and face the hard truth.
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