BALANCE BETWEEN SELF AND OTHERS

 David Brooks is clearly one of favorite writers. His NYT columns and opinions on PBS NewsHour are always welcome. His book, Second Mountain, is surely well versed that deals with the balance between self and others, balance between nations, and a commitment to others. 

There is no question that his perspective is accurate. However, I view these matters from a different perspective.

When I was in the seminary, I personally got clued to the writings of Pierre Theilhard deChardin,  a Jesuit paleontologist. While exploring fields of coal, he experienced the Divine.  He wrote several books, all of which I read, but they were not published until after his death. The Jesuit society did not agree with his vision to the point that he was buried in Jesuit cemetery without any sign to the public. Later, I read all the literature of Sr. Ilia DeLio, a Professor at Marquette University. Her writings further advanced the view the Divine is present in all.

Admittedly, this literature is difficult to summarize. I am able only to point out the essential components of this understanding.

In contrast to religions (Christianity, Islam, Hebrew, Buddhism), “God” is no longer referenced since the word is used as a “person” as known generally. In contrast, the ultimate is now understood as the Divine without any embodiment known to humans. The Divine is present in all (humans, plants, animals, the entire cosmos). Thus, I only need to be consciously aware of the presence of the Divine which I do often during the day and, at night, when I am waiting to fall asleep.

Knowing that the Divine is present in all humans (admittedly complicated when considering such persons as Putin), it is then meaningful to talk to others (family, friends, neighbors, persons in nursing homes) with love.

Knowing that the Divine is present in all, it becomes possible to experience the Divine in animals, as in our dog (MaggieMae). 

This understanding of the Divine enables a person to see the world with a perspective that enables love.

DO WE OBEY THE RULE OF LAW

The United States has been a beacon within the  world that signifies a nation can abide by its constitution that establishes the rule of law once agreed to by Congress and signed by the president. Our pledge to comply to such actions historically made us a community of all sorts of nationalities.

Historically this nation evolved with all sorts of issues led by those who immigrated to our portion of Mother Earth. George Washington and those following him struggled to develop a constitution. For me, the epitome of this evolution was during the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In fact, until the election of Ronald Reagan, the Senate usually passed legislation by a vote of 98-2. 

Clearly since the time of Reagan’s administration, our nation are slid continually into a deep divide. At this moment (2023), we have a House that is sharply divided to the point that its leader, Kevin McCarthy, barely achieved his position due to the divide within the Republican Party and his leadership is constantly threatened as noted by the passage of the debt ceiling bill.

The Democrats has barely control the Senate. They achieve their legislation when the Independents, e.g., Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.

As of 2023, then, legislation has been difficult to pass.

From my perspective, the divisions in the Republican Party is the major problem. Some of their members support initiatives that are so extreme that their members fight constantly, e.g., cutting funding for securing our border, our research facilities, wanting to reduce veteran, federal state, and local police funding.

Our nation has grown to be strong, but has been weakened by internal divide. Where this all ends up is a question that will only be answered by history. 

A MOMENT IN HISTORY

No one would argue that we live in a political dichotomy.  For years, the Republican Party has geared further and further to the right to the point that the congressional leader, Kevin McCarthy, is one step away from his role due to the archconservative caucus. He only achieved the role after fifteen series of votes due to so many were convinced that he was not conservative enough! That experience was a moment in history since that many series of voting were needed.`

At the same time, the Democratic Party continues to lean left, with some supporting extreme views that will never be politically acceptable.

However, we are now experiencing a MOMENT IN HISTORY!

From the time of our education in high school, undergraduate and graduate education, we took history courses to learn how our world functioned in various situations. There have been leaders who promoted  liberal policies, others promoting conservative policies and, in all cases, there were those leaning further to the left (Democrats) or the right (Republicans). 

This education enabled students to understand the thinking involved is such decisions.  We learned how a view that seemed wrong was understood as the best route for the nation (N.B., this is not unique to our nation). The education on the history of slavery was impressive, realizing the sharp consensus that the Black Slaves should never become citizens. But thanks to President Abraham Lincoln, our nation rose to a new outlook. Granted, it did not cure bigotry! Today we read constantly about how badly minorities are treated (not only in our nation!). 

Today, June 13, 2023, former President Donald J. Trump will make history by becoming the first president ever to be indicted for a federal crime. He will undergo the ritual of appearing in court where he will only respond to the judge, to give his hands to be fingerprinted, photo taken, and then respond to the alleged crimes.  

It is difficult for some of us not to be focused on this moment in history. Generations to come will surely read about it. I have experienced other “moments in history”. But, this is truly a MOMENT IN HISTORY!

Thank you, President Biden!

President Joseph Biden

US White House

Washington, DC

There have been so many instances when you have promoted objectives that are positive for our nation. Your steady approach to the congressional process proved again that your leadership is priceless. The struggle over the debt ceiling was most serious with devastating economic impacts.

Your public announcement was idealistic in that you were able to congratulate both parties in their abilities to overcome the disagreements of some.

You are clearly a leader who only works for the good of all.

Edward Toomey

45 Glades Rd

Scituate, MA 02066