Reflection on the election. (Yes, it rhymes. Yes, it was on purpose.)

My feelings about the election are mixed. In my opinion we have gone from making progress back to an illusion of security and prosperity. I think all of us who voted probably voted against something, instead of for policies that will ultimately secure the future of all Americans. I hope as we move forward that we can find middle ground without comprimising our values or the welfare of others. Every voter is part of society, a society which finds itself rapidly dividing. We need to stop lashing out against each other and work towards creating a better, more just society. Yet as I am writing this I sense that I am being overly idealistic. Due to the uncertainty of our economy and power as a nation we live in fear, whether it be realistic or not. That fear has been exploited by both sides. We need to stop listening to "fear" talk. The Republicans had so much success because they have convinced many of us that we have to "fear" the Democrats. Sadly most Republicans have nothing to fear, but have been manipulated by fear mongering. We need to focus on hope, not fear. Hope for all of society. I keep reflecting on Liberation Theology and the idea of solidarity. A concept where we try to identify with the poor, the needy and the oppressed. We join with them in search of justice and equality, of a better future. I think of Oscar Romero and his willingness to not be manipulated by politicians, institutions or the wealthy, but stood by in his conviction that we must foremost look after the poor and the suffering. I don't see much of this these days. I see a lot of self interest, a lot of decisions being made out of fear instead of conviction and values. The great thing about solidarity is that in turn the poor identify with us, identify with the pressures that we have, the struggle to let go of our security and in humility accept us with all of our faults, even though we may have been the cause of much of their suffering. It is idealistic, but it rings true. We have to start accepting each other, with all our faults and realize that ultimately what is good for my neighbor, for the least of these, is also good for me.