Tribal
If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die?
--Shylock, Merchant of Venice
There is no monopoly on common sense
On either side of the political fence
We share the same biology, regardless of ideology
Believe me when I say to you
I hope the Russians love their children too
--Sting, Russians
Today’s political climate gives preference to the extremes. After all, extremes tend to call a base to action. They also serve to further alienate reasonable (as well as unreasonable) opposition. Extremes are iconic. Archetypical. They are also punchlines. Easy to dismiss. They don’t lend themselves to the full round table of discussion.
But remember - the most vilified or buffoonish character or idea on the other side of the political spectrum has most of the same qualities you do. Their blood is the same color as yours. They also have to pay rent. They have kids to feed. They yearn for someone to love.
What if political conversations started there? On the common ground. Leave the narcissism of small differences out in the hall. Let it go. Because living Emo Philips’ “die heretic” joke is a terrible line on which to demand relevant distinction.
Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, "Don't do it!" He said, "Nobody loves me." I said, "God loves you. Do you believe in God?"
He said, "Yes." I said, "Are you a Christian or a Jew?" He said, "A Christian." I said, "Me, too! Protestant or Catholic?" He said, "Protestant." I said, "Me, too! What franchise?" He said, "Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?" He said, "Northern Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?"
He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region." I said, "Me, too!"
“Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912." I said, "Die, heretic!" And I pushed him over.
— Emo Philips
