Politics - Civil Discourse

Politics - Civil Discourse

First he came for Mexicans,
Then he came for Muslims,
Then he came for Women,
THen he came for a Disabled Reporter,
Then he came for Gold Star Families,
Then he came for Trans Troops,
Then he came for NFL Players,
Then he came for Africa,
Then he came for the Chinese Economy,
Then he came for Canadian Neighbours,

Then he put children in internment camps.
Then he put children. In Internment Camps.
Then he put MORE children in Internment Camps.
Then they drugged children in Internment Camps.
Then they sexually abused children in internment camps.
Then they lost children from internment camps.

Now he says we have lost the art of 'civil discourse'.

Writing - On Politics: Yesterday Today

Writing - On Politics: Yesterday Today



I listened as they called my President a Muslim.
I listened as they called him and his family a pack of monkeys.
I listened as they said he wasn't born here.
I watched as they blocked every single path to progress that they could.
I saw the pictures of him as Hitler.
I watched them shut down the government and hurt the entire nation twice.
I watched them turn their backs on every opportunity to open worthwhile dialog.
I watched them say that they would not even listen to any choice for Supreme Court no matter who the nominee was.
I listened as they openly said that they will oppose him at every turn.
I watched as they did just that.
I listened.
I watched.
I paid attention.

Now, I'm being called on to be tolerant.
To move forward.
To denounce protesters.
To "Get over it."
To accept this...

I will not.

Tragedy - Anthony Bourdain

Tragedy - Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain.

I watched a lot of his shows, and I thought that one of the best things about him was how he talked honestly, and passionately about elevating the idea of experiencing culture and other humans. He talked about travel, about living, and about listening.

I really can't overstate just how incredibly 'honest' Bourdain was on his traveling shows. He chose to explore and engage, and fearlessly try things without portraying himself as having 'discovered' customs. He went off the beaten path. It wasn't about 'tourism', it wasn't about self-gratification of himself as a tourist.

It was about meeting people, hugging people, smoking with people. It was about talking and going over things he himself loved and hated, what things offended him, and why that might've been legitimate or awful. How he responded to things that were frightening or strange, and why more often than not they actually weren't.

It's a tragedy, and a reminder that you can 'have it all' but the insidious nature of depression, mental illness, and suicide means little in the face of that. We need to find more ways to engage, encourage, and uplift one another. We need to find better ways to protect the people that need protecting.

Rest in Peace Bourdain.